How can we help you?
Maintaining a problem-free smile isn’t difficult, and with just a little effort on your part, you can enjoy excellent oral health. Dr. Michael and our team want you to feel confident about the decisions you make about your dental care, so we are always happy to answer your questions.
We know that informed patients tend to enjoy better oral health, and that is our ultimate goal. Over the years, we’ve heard many questions from our patients, and some of them are listed below. But there’s so much more to your dental care than we can share here, so please don’t hesitate to contact our dental team if you need more information.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canals are not surgical procedures, and the recovery time is about the same as a tooth filling. Most people even say the procedure affects them less than a tooth filling! When you have a root canal, your endodontist specialist will clean and seal the tooth to remove any infection.
Root canal treatment takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the severity of your infection and the accessibility of your tooth’s canals. You should be able to drive or return to work right after your appointment.
Your endodontist will give you specific instructions for allowing your tooth to heal, but here are some general guidelines:
- Once the numbness wears off, you may feel some soreness or tenderness for a few days. Some people have a sore jaw after keeping it open for an extended period. Use over-the-counter pain reliever (like ibuprofen) to manage pain. If your endodontist prescribes a stronger medication, be sure to have someone drive you home or wait to take it until you’re home.
- You can eat after the numbness wears off, avoiding sticky or crunchy foods. If you have a temporary dental crown, it’s especially important to be careful about hard foods.
- Continue to brush and floss your teeth normally, though you may want to use care around the tender areas.
- Return to your dentist for your permanent restoration, if instructed to do so.
When the interior of your tooth is infected, it can cause a lot of pain and is likely to damage the nerve. If left untreated, the infection could spread to other teeth. Root canal therapy removes the infection and relieves the pain, restoring the tooth and allowing us to save it.
No, root canal therapy does not generally hurt. In most cases, root canal therapy feels similar to getting a routine filling. Our team at Palatine Complete Dental uses a gentle approach to provide comfortable root canal therapy in Palatine, IL.
What Can You Expect During Root Canal Therapy?
Before treatment begins, your dentist numbs the area to help you stay comfortable. Next, we carefully remove the infected pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and seal it with a crown to prevent future infection.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you may notice some mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days, but this typically improves as your tooth heals.
How Can You Stay Comfortable After Treatment?
Following your dentist’s instructions can help support a smooth recovery. You can:
- Take any recommended medications as directed.
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it fully heals.
- Continue brushing and flossing to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Attend follow-up appointments as recommended.
Delaying treatment can allow an infection to worsen and may lead to more serious dental concerns. Root canal therapy helps remove infection, relieve discomfort, and preserve your natural tooth.
We Welcome Your Call
Contact Palatine Complete Dental today! Our team is here to answer your questions and provide comfortable, personalized care.