A root canal is a treatment used to save a tooth that is badly decayed and/or infected. Nerve and pulp, the soft area within the center of the tooth, can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. In reality, most patients report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to dental care is truly the painful period of time, not the root canal procedure itself.
The root canal procedure should relieve the pain you feel. Until your root canal procedure is completely finished – that is to say, the permanent filling is in place and/or the crown is placed, it is wise to minimize chewing on the tooth under repair. This step will help avoid re-contamination of the interior of the tooth and also may prevent a fragile tooth from breaking before the tooth can be fully restored. For the first few days following completion of treatment, the tooth may feel sensitive due to natural tissue inflammation, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure.
As far as oral health care is concerned, brush and floss as you regularly would and see your dentist at normally scheduled intervals. The final step of the root canal procedure is application of a restoration such as a crown, to cover and protect the tooth.
With our team at Park Ridge Dentistry, you can rest assured that our commitment to high-quality care puts your goals and comfort first. We treat you like family and always recommend the most appropriate care options like root canals when needed, to keep you smiling in the years to come.
First time visitor and had a very good experience. Dr. May is a very good doctor and was able to help me in a short amount of time.
I’ve been going to Dr. Barrett for almost 30 years, and he’s always made me feel at ease, to the point where I enjoy going to the dentist. Now Dr. Barrett is at the point in his career where heâ... Read More
I was looking to find a new dentist and I stumbled across Park Ridge Dentistry on a recommendation from a friend. I’m so glad I came! Dr. May is amazing. He is very personable, took his time and was... Read More
First time visitor and had a very good experience. Dr. May is a very good doctor and was able to help me in a short amount of time.
I’ve been going to Dr. Barrett for almost 30 years, and he’s always made me feel at ease, to the point where I enjoy going to the dentist. Now Dr. Barrett is at the point in his career where he’s decided to bring in a new dentist to allow himself to take more time off. I was a little hesitant in the idea of having a new dentist work on my teeth, but as it turns out Dr Barrett hired an excellent choice in dentist to help with the patient load. Dr. May did an excellent job with my recent visit. He made the entire experience as comfortable as I could expect. I highly recommend both Dr. Barrett and Dr. May.
I was looking to find a new dentist and I stumbled across Park Ridge Dentistry on a recommendation from a friend. I’m so glad I came! Dr. May is amazing. He is very personable, took his time and was helpful in answering my questions. All around everyone at the practice is very friendly and I highly recommend!!