Do you have frequent toothaches? Are you noticing changes in the fit of your bite? You may have a dental infection. One of the best general dental treatments for infections is root canals. At Horizon Family Dental Care, we ensure that the root canal treatment we provide in Baltimore, MD, is pain-free for all patients.
Root canals aren’t as bad as many patients think. Some may believe that the root canal procedure is painful. However, root canals relieve the pain caused by dental infections. Following a root canal, patients feel more comfortable in their smiles. Our office also ensures patients feel comfortable during their treatment.
When Do I Need a Root Canal?
Endodontics concerns the dental pulp and tissues surrounding tooth roots. Root canal therapy is a part of endodontic treatment.
We recommend a root canal if you have inflamed and infected pulp within a tooth. The dental pulp consists of the nerves, cells, and blood vessels that keep a tooth alive. A damaged or cracked tooth can increase the risk of infection, which can cause pain and discomfort.
Some of the most common signs of a tooth infection include:
- Gum and tooth sensitivity
- Frequent toothaches
- Darkening tooth
- Facial swelling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Changes in the bite
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Holes in the enamel (cavities)
Please contact our office if you have noticed any of these symptoms. We will take X-rays to determine if one or more teeth have infected pulp. A root canal treatment can preserve a tooth and prevent the need for a tooth extraction.
The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
A root canal treatment in our Baltimore, Clinton, La Plata, or Hanover office provides these benefits:
- Stop the spread of infection
- Prevent the need for dental implants, bridges, or dentures
- Comfortable treatment
- Preserves bite function and alignment
- Prevents the need for tooth removal
We understand many patients fear pain during dental treatment. Our office ensures you feel as comfortable as possible with sedation and anesthetic. Root canals are safe and routine general treatments.
If you are anxious about getting a root canal, we’re here to help. Please ask us questions and voice your concerns before treatment so we can provide the proper accommodations. We can also educate you on each step of your treatment to calm your fears.
After your root canal, you will eat the foods you enjoy without pain. You will no longer feel tooth sensitivity from an infection after your treatment.
Root Canal Treatment in Baltimore
We recommend eating before the root canal treatment, as you must wait to eat after your treatment. Our office also advises against smoking or using tobacco during treatment because this can slow down your healing.
Root canal therapy takes two visits to complete. To begin treatment, we use a local anesthetic to numb the mouth. We can also use dental sedation for a pain-free procedure. Then, we make a small hole in the tooth. Through this hole, we can remove the infected pulp from the tooth chamber.
The dental pulp comprises cells, tissue, and vessels that can become damaged due to a severe tooth infection. Removing this dental pulp stops the spread of infection. Then, we clean and disinfect the inner tooth chamber. Finally, we seal the root canal with a rubber-like gutta percha and apply a temporary filling.
We recommend a second visit for you to receive a dental crown. Dental crowns are durable caps that fully cover the tooth. We recommend crowns to protect weakened teeth and help strengthen tooth enamel. The crown will also restore your tooth to its optimal shape.
Our office will take impressions of your treated tooth and color-match the crown to ensure it blends in with the rest of your teeth. Once the crown is complete, we will check its color and fit before permanently cementing it in place.
Post-Op Instructions
We will provide specific instructions on how to care for your treated tooth following your root canal. In general, we recommend following these directions:
Eat soft foods
Directly after your root canal, it will take time for numbness to wear off. We do not recommend eating until you are no longer numb because you can accidentally bite your mouth’s soft tissues. Eat soft foods like pasta, mashed potatoes, and tofu. Hard or crunchy foods will irritate the treated tooth. If possible, eat on the opposite side of your treated tooth.
Gently brush and floss
Keeping the area around your treated tooth clean will lessen the risk of reinfection. Avoid brushing aggressively, as this can dislodge your temporary filling or crown. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the area gently. If you have trouble flossing between your treated teeth, contact us to adjust your restoration.
Avoid pressure
If you clench or grind your teeth, wear your nightguard to prevent damage to your filling or crown. Pressure on your treated teeth can increase pain and sensitivity.
Rest
We recommend taking it easy after treatment. You may still feel the effects of sedation an hour or two afterward. We also recommend taking off work for at least 24 hours after treatment. Keeping your head elevated while resting will ensure proper blood flow to quicken healing.
Treat Discomfort
Discomfort is normal after procedures like root canals. Your tooth can still feel sensitive from your infected pulp. Take pain medication as prescribed and rinse your mouth with saltwater. Saltwater helps reduce inflammation. You can make a saltwater rinse with a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
Please contact us if you have any questions about root canal aftercare. If you notice a change in the fit of your bite or damage your temporary filling, let us know so we can help.
Schedule a Dental Consultation Today
Are you dealing with sensitive teeth or toothaches? Ask us about root canal treatment to preserve the health and structure of your teeth. You can schedule a dental appointment with our dental professionals on our website. We provide root canal treatment in Baltimore, Clinton, La Plata, and Hanover.
Please let us know if you have questions about root canal therapy. We’re here to help.