A root canal is a relatively painless procedure that relieves pain caused by an infected tooth. Here’s what you can expect.

When people think about root canals, the first thing that usually comes to mind is pain. However, the reality is that root canal treatments don’t cause pain. Instead, they are used to eliminate the pain caused by an infected tooth.

Around 25 million root canals are performed each year. It is a safe and effective treatment with a success rate of 98 percent. While root canals are painless, feeling wary about the procedure is normal. To put your mind at ease, let’s review what to expect during and after your root canal procedure.

Why you need a root canal

Deep inside your tooth contains the pulp, which holds blood vessels, nerves, and tissue. When bacteria infects the pulp, it causes a severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, and swelling. The bacteria may also form a pimple on the gum line, and chewing may feel painful at times.

While untreated tooth decay is the primary cause of bacterial infection, it can also occur if a tooth has been cracked, which allows bacteria to enter the pulp. Whatever the reason, a root canal can save your tooth.

What happens during a root canal?

A root canal procedure requires no special prep. If your dentist prescribes antibiotics, take the medication before the procedure as directed. Since tobacco interferes with healing, stop smoking for a few days before the treatment. Lastly, eat a good meal beforehand. Your mouth will be numb for a few hours after the procedure, and you don’t want to go hungry. 

On the day of the procedure, you can expect the following:

Anesthesia: To numb the area around the tooth, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic or nitrous oxide to relax. You may be given IV sedation or an oral sedative if you suffer from severe dental anxiety.

Drilling into the tooth: Your dentist will drill into the pulp to access the nerves and tissue to remove the bacteria. While drilling can sound scary, you won’t feel anything because of the anesthesia.

Cleaning and filling the pulp and canals: Your dentist will then clean the pulp and root canals. The canals are then filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like substance.

Sealing the tooth: A temporary filling placed over the tooth will prevent bacteria from re-entering. 

Making the final restoration: After most root canals, a crown caps the treated tooth, restoring its full function. While waiting about two weeks for the permanent crown is expected, some crowns can be made on-site on the same day as the root canal.  

A root canal procedure typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. It may require two visits if you need a permanent crown.

Four after-care tips

Lingering soreness for a few days after the root canal is normal, and you can take over-the-counter pain medications to reduce the discomfort. To speed up the healing process, consider these tips:

Eat soft foods. Immediately after the root canal, eat soft foods such as yogurt, cooked carrots, and smoothies. Avoid hard, sticky foods that could irritate the affected tooth. It’s also recommended to chew using the opposite side of your mouth.

Brush and floss your teeth. While you can (and should) brush and floss your teeth after a root canal, be careful around the treated tooth. Don’t gargle with an alcohol-based mouthwash that can irritate the gum tissue. A good option is a rinse of salt and warm water to soothe the gums.

Do gentle exercises. Strenuous exercises that cause you to bob your head, such as jogging, may cause more discomfort and hinder healing. Stick with gentle workouts for a few days after the root canal.  

Stop smoking. The chemicals in tobacco slow the healing process. Quit cigarettes for a few days after the root canal. Or use the procedure as motivation to stop smoking for good.

Get your root canal done in Casper, Wyoming

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Casper, Wyoming, location today! Our highly trained dentists have performed hundreds of successful root canals and can help you navigate yours. Don’t live near our Casper, Wyoming, office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Casper, Wyoming
1530 Centennial Ct. 
Suite A 
Casper, WY 82609