|
Root Canal Procedure Silver Spring MD When you notice that you have tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods, inflamed gums that may, at times, have a small bump, and pain in your teeth, there is a high chance that you need a root canal. Our dentist at Metropolitan Dental Specialty Group does root canals to rid you of all pain in your teeth.Root Canal ProcedureA root canal is one of the procedures that falls under restorative dentistry. Root canal therapy is done to remove the pulp in bacteria-infected or abscessed teeth. The pulp is the soft part inside teeth that houses blood vessels and nerves, in addition to connective tissues. Root canals are necessary when the pulp is damaged. The procedure can also help with decay caused by cavities that have been left untreated for a long time, or a chipped or cracked tooth. How to PrepareIt is helpful to know that a root canal procedure occurs in multiple stages. The first step involves receiving an oral exam from our team. You will also receive new x-rays as our professional needs this information to successfully perform your root canal procedure. They may also need to file down the target tooth so that a mold can be taken. What Does the Procedure Entail?When you return for the root canal, our professional will start by numbing you with a local anesthetic. A dental dam will be placed over your tooth to keep it clean during the operation. The dam will also help catch any infected material so that it does not spread the infection onto other areas of your mouth. They will then drill into the target tooth so that they can access the pulp chamber. The pulp will be scooped out of your tooth. The hole is filled with a special dental cement to protect your tooth’s roots from irritation or decay. The final step is to place a crown over the tooth to protect it. If our team was able to make the crown in advance, it will be installed on the same day as the root canal. If not, they will fit your tooth with a temporary crown. When your permanent crown is ready, our team will contact you so it can be installed. A crown is a covering that will completely encapsulate your tooth. The combination of the root canal and crown can provide you with a restoration that looks and functions great. Your dental crown will last for 10 years or more with proper care. AftercareHow Long Does a Root Canal Take to Heal?A root canal procedure takes less than a week to recover. During the first few days, you might experience mild discomfort that you can manage with medication. If the discomfort or pain doesn't go away after a week, get in touch with us immediately.Can You Drive after Root Canal Treatment?You can drive after a root canal treatment. However, it is best to have someone else drive if you struggle with blurry vision after the procedure, or any other side effects from being sedated.Can You Smoke after a Root Canal?You should refrain from smoking after a root canal procedure. Smoking can significantly delay the recovery process and increase the chances of bleeding.Do You Need a Root Canal?There are several things you can do to avoid a root canal. For instance, you should maintain high standards of oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. You should also avoid sticky foods that might damage your teeth. Besides, our team recommends avoiding drinking acidic and sugary foods to maintain good oral health. If you find yourself needing a root canal, reach out to our Metropolitan Dental Specialty Group office at (301) 585-0400 and we will schedule you an appointment. |
