All about root canals, treatment and recovery

So you’ve got a root canal coming up at Countryside Dental? Well, we have some good news for you — it’s probably not as bad as you think. Root canals get a pretty bad rap in dentistry, but anyone who’s ever had the treatment will tell you it’s nothing compared to the initial pain of an infected tooth. Knowing what to expect can also help to manage your expectations, so keep reading for more from the root canal experts: Dr. Natalya Nagornaya and the whole team at Countryside Dental!

Root canal treatment and recovery in Buffalo Grove

When severe tooth pain, tooth darkening or swelling near the tooth signal a root canal treatment is necessary, you can feel confident knowing you’re under Dr. Natalya’s experienced care. To perform root canal therapy, she removes the infected tooth pulp and the nerve — parts of the tooth which actually aren’t necessary for the normal function of the tooth. Let’s take a closer look at what happens during a root canal procedure.

How root canal therapy works

Dr. Natalya will complete your root canal in a series of about five steps.

• First, she’ll use x-rays to understand the extent of the damage
• Then we’ll administer a local anaesthetic to make sure your experience is as comfortable as can be
• Dr. Natalya will open the tooth to fully remove the infected pulp and nerve
• The opening is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha
• A custom crown is placed over the treated tooth to complete the procedure and restore the strength of the tooth

After your root canal therapy is complete, you’ll feel so good knowing all your teeth are healthy and pain-free once again!

Recovering from your root canal

You’ll probably feel pain and tenderness following your root canal — that’s perfectly normal following any oral procedure. This mild discomfort is easily treated with an over-the-counter pain medication. You can speed recovery and reduce pain by keeping the following in mind.

• Wait until numbness subsides to eat or drink anything
• Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would, remembering that good oral hygiene is as important as ever after root canal therapy
• Contact your dentist if pain, redness or swelling doesn’t subside after a few days

Questions? Talk to us today!

If you know you need a root canal, or if you have any additional questions leading up to your treatment in Buffalo Grove, please don’t hesitate to contact our office! We’re here to provide you with everything you need on your quest for excellent oral health.

Book your appointment for restorative care today!