The Root Cause of Your Tooth Pain
A severely infected tooth can be bad news for your entire smile if not treated. Fortunately, at Brown and Baran Family Dentistry, Drs. Paul E. Brown and Christopher S. Baran provide gentle root canal therapy for Wilmington and Seaford, DE, patients to eliminate tooth pain and infection.
See how we can treat your unique smile with exceptional dental care and help you save teeth from extraction. To schedule your appointment, contact our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589.
What’s Root Canal Therapy?
Your teeth are made up of many different layers, including the outer enamel, dentin, and the soft tissue core called the tooth pulp. When this core becomes infected due to bacteria or an untreated cavity, you need a root canal treatment. This simple routine procedure is designed to completely disinfect the inside of your tooth and preserve it with a dental crown to stop further irritation or damage.
Undergoing a root canal is virtually painless since your dentist will apply a local anesthetic beforehand. Many patients describe the experience of root canal therapy as similar to that of getting a filling. Our dental team will be there every step of the way to ensure your overall comfort.
When Is Root Canal Therapy Needed?
Your tooth pulp can become infected for several reasons, such as decay and trauma. Our dentist will examine your tooth to determine if a root canal is needed. Signs that you need a root canal include:
- Discolored teeth
- Persistent pain and discomfort
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperature
- Tenderness in lymph nodes or gum tissue
- Gum swelling or irritation
It’s also important to maintain regular check-ups with either Dr. Brown or Dr. Baran to ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned. Some infections can be asymptomatic and are only discoverable by a skilled dental professional during an exam.
The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Undergoing a root canal can save a tooth that’s severely infected and can help prevent the need for tooth extraction. Other benefits of root canals include:
- Prevents tooth loss
- Keeps adjacent teeth healthy
- Prevents jawbone deterioration
The Root Canal Therapy Process
Modern advancements in dental techniques have made root canals much easier to perform and more comfortable for the patient. Your dentist will first administer a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort you may experience and place a protective sheet known as a dental dam to isolate the tooth. This will keep the tooth clean throughout the procedure.
A small hole is then made so your general dentist can remove the infected pulp from within the tooth structure. Once he extracts the infected pulp, he’ll disinfect the chamber and fill it using a rubber-like dental composite called gutta-percha. This prevents your tooth from being infected again. Afterward, your dentist will fill in the hole and place a custom restoration, like a dental crown, if necessary.
Aftercare Tips Following Root Canal Treatment
After undergoing a root canal procedure, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure the success of the treatment and promote healing. Here are some essential aftercare tips to follow:
- Avoid Eating or Drinking Immediately: Refrain from eating or drinking until the numbness in your mouth wears off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
- Take Pain Medication as Prescribed: Your dentist may prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort following the procedure. Take it as directed, even if you’re not in severe pain, to stay ahead of any potential discomfort.
- Apply Ice Packs: Applying ice packs to the outside of your face near the treated area can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Use the ice packs intermittently for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual, but be gentle around the treated tooth to avoid irritation. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-alcoholic mouthwash to prevent any irritation.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Steer clear of hard or sticky foods that could potentially dislodge or damage the temporary filling or crown placed on the tooth. Stick to softer, easy-to-chew foods until the permanent restoration is in place.
- Follow Up with Your Dentist: Attend any follow-up appointments scheduled by your dentist. These visits are essential for monitoring your progress and ensuring the tooth is healing properly.
- Watch for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as severe pain, swelling, or discharge from the treated tooth. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately for further evaluation and treatment.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol consumption can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Try to abstain from these habits during the recovery period.
- Be Patient: It’s normal to experience some discomfort and sensitivity following root canal therapy. However, if severe pain persists or worsens over time, contact your dentist promptly for advice.
- Maintain Regular Dental Visits: Continue to visit your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings. Routine dental care is essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, as well as monitoring the success of the root canal treatment.
By following these aftercare tips and staying in close communication with your dentist, you can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery following root canal treatment.
Root Canal Procedure Preparation
If you’re planning to get a root canal to treat your infected tooth, the procedure itself may be daunting. But worry not! Our Delaware restorative dentists understand it can be overwhelming to get the things and information you need for your treatment. That’s why we created a guide for preparing for your root canal surgery to ease your worries.
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of your root canal procedure will take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to complete. However, the exact time depends on the number of teeth that require treatment and the severity of your infection. During your initial consultation, your dentist will provide an accurate timeline of how long your root canal procedure will take.
Undergoing a root canal is virtually painless since your dentist will apply a local anesthetic beforehand. Most patients compare the experience of getting a root canal treatment to that of receiving a tooth filling. While it’s normal to feel some discomfort or sensitivity afterward, this can be managed with an ice pack compress or over-the-counter pain medication.
Most insurance companies should cover a portion of your root canal treatment. Your dentist will likely advise you to reach out to your provider to get a clearer understanding of your policy’s coverage. Any questions you may have can be answered by your dentist and their staff to ensure that your root canal is a cost-effective and beneficial investment.
It’s unlikely that your tooth may become reinfected again since root canals have a 98 percent success rate. However, if your tooth does become infected again, your dentist will likely perform a root canal retreatment to get rid of any lingering bacteria that may have been missed. Contact your dentist if you notice that your symptoms are coming back or if your tooth is sensitive.
Visit Us to Painlessly Fix Your Tooth’s Root!
At Brown & Baran Family Dentistry, we’re here to help all of our patients comfortably restore their smiles. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or suspect an infection, call our Wilmington, DE, office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford, DE, office at (302) 536-7589.
You can also fill out our contact form and our team will get back to you shortly. We proudly provide root canal treatment to patients throughout Delaware and its surrounding areas.
