What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental operation that alleviates pain caused by a tooth infection, otherwise known as an abscessed tooth. A root canal treatment is to maintain a patient’s smile cosmetically, alleviate pain experienced while eating, and prevent the need for further dental operations. During the root canal treatment process, a dentist removes the source of inflammation within the tooth. Following the extrication of the infection, the dentist thoroughly cleans the interior tooth and places a filling to seal the space.
Does It Hurt?
Root Canals are conducted under anesthesia, leaving patients impervious to pain during the procedure. The severity of a root canal treatment is comparable to the severity of a filling or wisdom tooth removal. Patients generally experience more soreness or numbness immediately following a root canal than after a regular dental procedure. Experiencing mild discomfort for a few days following is not uncommon.
Depending on the severity of the tooth infection, a total root canal procedure may require more than one procedure to complete. On average, a root canal only requires one appointment, ranging from approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Treatment of a tooth with multiple roots can take up to an hour and a half.
Do I Need One?
When a patient is experiencing significant pain and swelling from the infected area, root canals are the answer. Failing to address these issues can lead to further trauma, such as dental abscesses, bone loss, pulp death, and tooth loss. Some alternatives to root canal procedures include direct pulp capping, pulpotomy, pulpectomy, endodontic retreatment, endodontic surgery, tooth extraction, dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Procedure Preparation
- Ask questions of our team
- Discuss antibiotics with your DiGrazia dentist
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco for 24 hours before your procedure
- Sleep well
- Take a pain reliever before your appointment
- Have a couple of doses of pain relievers on hand afterward
- Eat before your root canal
- Arrange for a ride home through Reno, if necessary
Appointment Aftercare
Practicing good oral hygiene is imperative following a root canal treatment. It is crucial to keep the area clean to prevent further infection. We advise that our patients brush, floss, and use an antibacterial mouthwash following their procedure. If your treatment requires multiple appointments and you still have a temporary filling placed rather than a permanent crown, we encourage you to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is in place.
Reno Root Canals
All doctors at DiGrazia Dentistry are qualified to complete conventional root canal procedures. The process involves using small hand files to remove the infected pulp from within the tooth. Dr. DiGrazia has years of experience performing root canal treatments in Reno, NV, and does everything he can to help patients relax during the procedure.
If you are facing a root canal procedure and have any questions, fill out our general contact form or call us at (775) 786-2077. To schedule your root canal appointment, contact DiGrazia Dentistry here. We always look forward to hearing from you.
