Has your dentist told you that you might need a root canal for a tooth in the front of your mouth? A root canal is a procedure that treats the soft tissues inside the centre of your tooth.
It is usually performed to save a tooth from needing to be pulled. It is not painful, but it is nerve-wracking. We understand if you need more information before undergoing the procedure.
This article will answer some of your most common questions about the front tooth root canal to help you feel more comfortable with the treatment and prepare you when you arrive at our office.
1. Is Front Tooth Root Canal Safe?
Absolutely! A root canal is a common procedure – it is well-established, and I’m sure you’ll find it very efficient. The average root canal takes about ten minutes to complete so that you will feel comfortable during and after the procedure.
One myth commonly is that root canal treatment hurts. It really was quite painful when performed without them before modern anesthetics. Fortunately, today’s root canals are painless.
2. Does Front Tooth Root Canal Hurt?
An infection causes the pain you feel within the tooth. The good news is that the infection has a good treatment; a root canal. Root canal treatments are generally carried out with local anesthesia so that you won’t feel a thing during the procedure.
When the anesthesia wears off, it’s common to feel some soreness, but that can be offset using over-the-counter painkillers. The hardest part about having a root canal treatment is probably keeping your mouth open for the entire appointment.
3. What Happens during the Procedure?
The root canal itself is not painful; you might feel some pressure while the tooth is being worked on. The procedure requires only one visit, but it can take up to 90 days or more for the tooth to repair.
The damaged inner pulp is removed during the procedure, and the tooth is filled with a resin-like substance that hardens into a permanent filling. During a root canal, the damaged pulp is located and removed. The canal is then cleaned and sealed with a filling.
4. What to Do before the Procedure?
You must follow your doctor’s specific instructions before your procedure, as they will want you to eat normally and take your normal medications beforehand. If you are getting IV sedation, they may require you to fast overnight and take nothing by mouth until after the root canal.
5. What Happens after the Procedure?
There are two times in which people experience pain after a root canal. The first is just after your visit when the tooth is still going through the healing process. This pain is generally mild and can be treated with medications like ibuprofen. During this time, you should avoid biting on hard foods.
The second time you experience pain is after you’ve finished eating your favorite chew toy. After eating chewing gum or ice cream, you may experience pain. The tooth may still be sensitive to cold or hot temperatures.
Conclusion
While the thought of a front tooth root canal may make you nervous, you don’t have to worry about it! The procedure is safe and painless when performed by a professional. While you may feel sore for a few days after the appointment, you can use over-the-counter pain medications to manage it.
The TLC Dentist provides general dentistry for all ages, servicing various dental treatments like veneers, implants, root canal therapy, crown and bridge, fillings, cosmetic injectables, teeth whitening, and children’s dentistry. If you need root canal treatment in Earlwood, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us to book an appointment!
