Root Canal Treatment – What Happens After a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that relieves pain caused by inflamed or infected tooth pulp. It’s most often needed when a tooth gets infected due to trauma or a deep cavity left untreated for a long time.

During the Root Canal treatment Atlanta GA process, the infected pulp inside of your tooth is removed and the surfaces of the pulp are cleaned and disinfected to remove the infection. This helps stop the disease from spreading and saves your tooth.

The procedure typically takes one or two visits to our office. Once we’ve removed the infected tissue, we clean out the canals and fill them with a special rubber-like material called gutta percha. A crown or another type of restoration is then placed over the tooth to protect it and restore your smile.

What Does a Root Canal Treatment Require?

The process begins with anesthesia. During your root canal, the dentist will make an access hole in your tooth and use tiny files to remove the infected tissue. Next, they will carefully clean, shape and decontaminate the inside of your tooth with irrigation solutions. This is done to eliminate bacterial and salivary bacteria that could enter your root canals.

Once the canals are clean and filled, they’re sealed using adhesive cement. X-rays are used to monitor the progress of your treatment and evaluate the position of the filling material.

When the procedure is complete, a temporary filling is placed to keep food and saliva from entering your tooth during recovery. In most cases, you’ll need to wait for a week or so before your tooth is sealed completely.

During your recovery, you may experience mild discomfort for a few days and may be advised to avoid chewing hard foods until you have completely recovered. This is normal, but you should return to your dentist if the discomfort persists or becomes worse.

Can you smoke after a root canal?

It is not recommended that you smoke after a Root Canal treatment Atlanta GA because it can interfere with the healing process. However, you should be able to eat soft foods after a root canal treatment. You should also be able to go back to work or school on the day of your procedure, but you should avoid eating until you’re fully numb.

How can I prevent tooth sensitivity after a root canal?

Once you’ve had a root canal, it’s important to use soft-bristled toothbrushes and other oral care products that are designed for sensitive teeth. You should also see your dentist regularly to monitor your tooth’s health.

When you’ve had a root canal, the tooth will be much more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. You should brush and floss with soft bristles, especially after meals, to help reduce sensitivity at cosmetic dentistry Atlanta.

How long will it take to recover from a root canal?

Most people recover from a root canal in less than a week, but you can expect to experience some pain and sensitivity after your treatment. You can control the discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.