It starts off as a throbbing toothache. Pretty soon you have facial swelling, bad breath, and are running a fever. If you have any of these symptoms, chances are you might need root canal therapy. Springs Village Dentistry offers professional and affordable root canal therapy at our Holly Springs, NC dental office. Here we’ll walk through the root canal therapy procedure and the post-op recovery process so you know what to expect.
What Does Root Canal Therapy Entail?
When you have decay or infection that spreads down to the root of your tooth, it’s important to salvage the healthy tissue of the tooth or else you’ll run the risk of losing it completely. Root canal therapy helps save your natural tooth by clearing out the infected and damaged tissue and allowing the healthy parts of the tooth to flourish.
During root canal therapy, your dentist will carefully numb the area around the tooth so you won’t feel any pain during the treatment. They will then drill a small hole in the tooth and examine the pulp, or the soft, innermost tissue of the tooth. They will then clear out any infected area of the pulp and replace it with a material called gutta percha. Next the area will be sealed with an inlay, overlay, or crown depending on what you need.
Post-op care after a root canal
When your root canal is over, you should take time to rest and heal after your treatment. When your anesthetic wears off, you might experience some discomfort and swelling. You can apply ice bags in 10-minute increments to help alleviate the discomfort. Your dentist will also suggest over-the-counter painkillers or write a prescription for medication to help manage the pain.
For a few days after your treatment, you should eat soft foods like yogurt, soup, scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes. You should drink water often, and avoid using tobacco products or straws which can aggravate the root canal site. When it comes to brushing and flossing, be extra careful around the surgery site until it heals properly. Your surgery site should heal within a week or two, and then you can resume your usual oral healthcare routine.
Affordable Root Canal Therapy in Holly Springs, NC
If you are suffering from a toothache or infection, call our office right away. Our staff at Springs Village Dentistry would be happy to help you find the relief you need and help you get your oral health back on track. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and check out our financial page to learn more about our payment plans!