7 Commonly Asked Questions about Root Canal Treatment
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp of a tooth. This can be done by drilling out or removing all or part of an affected tooth and then filling it with a material that will keep it from becoming infected again. The procedure also involves cleaning and shaping the root canal to help prevent future infections and sealing it off with a dental filling.
Our dentist at 22031 will numb the area with local anesthesia or sedation and then clean the surrounding area with an antiseptic solution. They will then drill into the tooth and remove any infected tissue, which they will clean with water. After this, they will fill the cavity with a sealant or antibiotic medication to prevent future infection.
What are the Symptoms of a Root Canal?
Root canal infections are caused by bacteria entering the tooth through cracks or small openings. The bacteria produce toxins that weaken the tooth and lead to an infection. The symptoms of a root canal infection may include swelling, redness, tenderness, pain when chewing or biting down on food, sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks, and fever.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
Most people fear getting a root canal because of the misconception that it is a painful procedure. However, with today’s advances in dental technology, root canal treatment is usually no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed.
Local anesthesia numbs the area around the tooth being treated, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. Some patients may experience mild discomfort afterward, but this can usually be managed with pain medications.
How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?
It can between one to two hours for your dentist to complete the treatment. He will numb your tooth and prep it for surgery. He will then make an incision in the crown to access the pulp cavity. Our dentist in Merrifield, VA will remove any dead tissue and clean the remaining foreign bodies left behind before closing the open areas with a gutta-percha.
Do You Need a Crown After a Root Canal Treatment?
Yes, you might need a dental crown to complete the treatment. The root canal removes the infected part of the teeth, leaving it weaker than before. A dental crown will restore the teeth’ function and strengthen the teeth, preventing a fracture.
When Can You Go to Work after a Root Canal Treatment?
The length of time that you should take off depends on how much pain or discomfort you have. If your symptoms are mild and short-lived, then it’s fine for you to get back in the office after 48 hours. But if they last longer than four weeks or are more severe, consider taking some time off from work until after your recovery.
Do You Need Bed Rest after a Root Canal?
In most cases, it’s not necessary to be on bed rest after a root canal treatment. However, if you do feel the need for some rest, then this is okay. Talk with our root canal dentist near Merrifield, VA, about how long you should wait before returning to work or school.
Do You Need Antibiotics after Root Canal Treatment?
No. Antibiotics are not necessary after root canal treatment. Root canal treatment is a very effective way to treat an infected tooth. The infection is removed from the inside of the tooth, and the tooth is sealed. This prevents the infection from coming back. In most cases, this is all needed to treat an infected tooth.
Sometimes, your dentist may recommend antibiotics after root canal treatment. This is usually due to the severity of the infection or if you have a medical condition that makes you more susceptible to infections. If your dentist does recommend antibiotics, it is important to take them as directed. This will help ensure the infection is completely gone and prevent it from returning.
Get Root Canal Treatment Near You
Root canal treatment is a preventative measure for tooth decay and gum disease. It removes the infected pulp and saves the tooth from extraction. Give us a call or book an appointment with Drummond Dental Care for more information about getting root canal treatment in Fairfax, VA!