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Root canals are a therapy that can help to save a tooth that is infected, badly damaged, or decayed.
A root canal may be indicated if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Ongoing, painful sensitivity to heat or cold
- Pain accompanying biting or chewing
- A constant dull ache in your tooth
- Sudden unexplained pain in your tooth
- A persistent pimple on your gum
- A loose tooth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact our office for an appointment. We will perform a complete examination to find out what is going on.
Decay May Make Extraction Necessary
While tooth extraction is typically not our first choice of treatment, sometimes it does become necessary. If your tooth is so decayed that the damage has spread deep into your tooth or is affecting your jaw bone, gums, or other teeth, the tooth may need to be removed.
Creating Space for Your Teeth
Another common reason for extractions is that sometimes a patient's mouth is simply too small for all their teeth. When this happens, teeth may shift into unusual positions to try and fit. This can cause crooked or twisted teeth and can lead to additional future dental problems. To fix the problem, we may need to remove some of the teeth before beginning orthodontic treatment.
Many people have their wisdom teeth removed because they have become impacted. When this happens, the tooth does not fully erupt, and it is easy for the gums to become infected. The infection can quickly spread to other teeth and become a serious problem. Additionally, impacted teeth can damage the roots of neighboring teeth because of the constant pressure.
While we can perform many extractions in our office, if necessary, we may refer you to an excellent and trusted oral surgeon.
Each Tooth Extraction Case is Unique
The total recovery time for a tooth extraction will depend on the tooth that was extracted, how complicated the extraction was, and your overall health. Rest is very important for the healing process. The exertion that comes from regular activity can disturb the clot that is forming and slow your healing time.
We will give you special aftercare instructions. Following these instructions will give you the best possible recovery outcomes. You may also be prescribed medication for pain, swelling, or infection, and it's important that you take these medications as directed. You will also need to rinse with saline water during the first 24 hours.
The Healing Process Can Vary
While your swelling should go down in about 48 hours, it may take weeks for the healing process to complete. Keep in mind that it's not just the wound that needs to heal; your gums and the bone will be healing as well.
If you have questions about your healing following an extraction, please give our office a call.
Recovering After a Root Canal
Following root canal therapy, your tooth is likely to be sensitive and uncomfortable once the anesthetic wears off. Try to avoid using that tooth for chewing since the pressure is likely to be painful. You may be prescribed medications for pain and swelling or to treat the infection. Take these medications exactly as prescribed.
Follow-Up After a Root Canal
If pain persists despite the medication, contact our office for further instructions. Follow up as directed so that we can check how your tooth and gums are healing and that the infection is gone. You will also need to be fitted for the crown that will cover and protect the tooth.