Why is this procedure done?
A root canal space is located inside the root of a tooth. It holds the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels of a tooth. When a tooth is damaged or infected, the pulp can become diseased and inflamed. This condition can cause pain and swelling in your gums, tooth, and other areas of your head and neck. ‚
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to take out dead, decayed, or dying pulp and germs inside of your tooth. This procedure is needed if the germs infect the pulp in the root of your tooth. If this procedure is not done, your dentist may have to pull out your tooth to ease your pain. ‚
What will the results be?
This procedure will ease your pain. It may keep you from needing to have your tooth pulled. It may also keep the germs from spreading to other parts of your mouth and body. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your dentist will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the dentist about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the dentist about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your dentist if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your dentist about them.
- Any other allergies
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You may not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Your dentist will give you a drug to numb your gums and keep you pain free. Sometimes, you may have a drug to make you sleepy.
- Your dentist will make an opening through the crown of your tooth into the pulp chamber.
- A rubber dam will be placed around the tooth.
- Your dentist will take out the pulp. Your dentist will clean, shape, and enlarge the root canals for better access for the filling.
- Your dentist will put drugs in the pulp chamber and root canal to remove the germs and fight the infection.
- Your dentist will put in a filling to keep out debris and saliva.
- Your dentist may suggest a crown on your tooth to protect it.
- Your dentist will tell you if you need more visits.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home after the procedure.
- Your dentist may give you drugs to help with pain.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your dentist what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the dentist says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Eat soft foods and drink liquids for the first few days. Ask your dentist when it is safe for you to go back to eating your regular diet.
- Stay away from very hot foods or drinks and sticky or chewy foods.
- Chew any hard, crunchy foods on the other side of your mouth.
- Brush and floss your teeth 2 to 3 times a day.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water after each meal.
- Schedule a visit to your dentist at least twice a year or as needed.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain or sensitivity
- Chipped or loose tooth
- Tooth falls out
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain.
- If you develop any swelling
- The new filling falls out or is out of place
- Tooth cracks or breaks
- You feel pain when you bite
Where can I learn more?
American Association of Endodontists ‚
http://www.aae.org/Patients/Root_Canals.aspx?terms=root%20canal ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/r/root-canals.aspx ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Root-canal-treatment/Pages/Recovery.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚