Root Canal Treatment – Marysville, OH
Save Your Tooth from Severe Decay
Nothing can ruin a good time quite like the sudden onset of an agonizing toothache. Luckily, the team at Northwest Family Dental of Marysville can perform a painless and effective root canal treatment that will eliminate the infection at its source so your tooth can stay comfortable and function well for many years to come. Here’s a brief guide to how this process works and why it might be the best thing for your smile.
Why Choose Northwest Family Dental of Marysville for Root Canal Treatment?
- Skilled and Compassionate Dentist
- Insurance Welcomed
- Flexible Financing Options Available
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Root canals are typically used to resolve severe decay and spare a damaged tooth from extraction, and they may be necessary due to an advanced dental infection or oral trauma that exposes the inner structure of the tooth. You may need a root canal if you experience symptoms such as:
- An agonizing, throbbing toothache
- Swelling around the tooth
- The tooth turning gray while the other teeth remain white
- Discomfort during the chewing process
- A foul taste in your mouth
- Visible cracks or decay in your tooth
The Root Canal Process
A root canal may be necessary if the pulp of your tooth has become exposed due to severe decay or an extensive crack in its enamel. The process begins with Dr. Miller administering a local anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain, and you may receive a sedation treatment if you need any extra help staying calm and still throughout the procedure. He will then open the tooth, remove the infected pulp, sanitize and fill the inner chamber, and seal the structure to prevent reinfection. You may then receive a restoration such as a dental crown to restore your tooth’s lost structure if necessary. Placing a dental crown typically takes two visits several weeks apart, and you can expect to receive a temporary crown while your permanent appliance is being manufactured.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
While root canal treatments have an unfortunate reputation due to how they are portrayed in humorous media like cartoons and movies, these procedures are actually completely painless and can immediately end agonizing toothaches. A few of the remarkable benefits of root canals include:
- Saving a tooth from extraction
- Avoiding the need for costly replacement appliances such as bridges or implants
- Preventing future infections
- Protecting the tooth from injury with a high-quality dental crown
- Lifelike dental crowns mean that casual observers will not be able to tell that the procedure was performed
Root Canal FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
Some patients require more or less time to recover after a root canal than others, but most will feel like their mouths are back to normal in a week or two. In fact, many are able to return to their normal daily activities the day after the procedure. However, it will be best to avoid intense physical activity for two or three days, and vigorous exercise can make it more difficult for your tooth and gums to heal. While you can expect mild soreness after the procedure, this can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication taken as directed. Sticking to a diet of soft, mild foods while taking care to chew on the side of the mouth opposite the treated tooth will also help you stay comfortable. While you’ll still need to brush and floss normally, be especially gentle when cleaning around the treated tooth. If you find that your discomfort gets worse after several days or that you experience signs of infection like fever, fatigue, chills, or a bad taste in your mouth, contact our Marysville office immediately.
How Much Pain Is Normal After a Root Canal?
While root canal procedures are rendered painless by anesthetics and sedation treatments, you can expect some discomfort and soreness for a few days afterward. Once the numbing effects wear off, you will probably notice mild pain and sensitivity, but this should fade away after several days. If needed, you can manage this discomfort by taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as instructed. Refraining from chewing with the treated tooth can help it stay comfortable and prevent disruptions of its healing process. If your pain does not diminish after three days or you develop symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chills, or a bitter or sour taste in your mouth, contact our office right away.
Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?
If you are receiving sedation during your root canal treatment, you may be required to fast for a few hours beforehand to prevent nausea. If you are not scheduled for sedation, it’s best to eat a healthy meal before cleaning your mouth thoroughly several hours before your procedure. Since your mouth will probably be numb for a few hours after the treatment, it may be difficult or hazardous to eat. It’s important to abstain from alcohol for at least twenty-four hours before your root canal to prevent negative interactions with the anesthetic or sedation treatment.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
Root canal treatment boasts an incredibly high success rate and can allow a compromised tooth to function well for many years or even a lifetime. How long the results of the procedure last depends on factors like how severely damaged the tooth was and how long it went before receiving a dental restoration. Treated teeth that do not receive crowns or fillings in a timely manner can be especially vulnerable to reinfection. The best way to ensure that your tooth stays in great shape for as long as possible is to strictly follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions while practicing excellent oral hygiene.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
In the 1920s, a dentist named Dr. Weston Price claimed that his research proved that it was better to remove an infected tooth since root canal treatment didn’t remove all of the bacteria. However, his research was poorly designed, his claims have been disproven on several occasions, and there currently isn’t any scientific evidence to support his findings. That’s why it’s so important to bring any questions or concerns you have to your dentist! Dr. Barry Miller would be happy to provide answers and share further insight so that you feel confident moving forward with the restorative care you need.
Do I Still Need a Root Canal if My Toothache Went Away?
You might be surprised to hear this, but the answer is “yes.” The reason for this is simple: the change in symptoms is usually due to the nerve of the tooth dying. While that does mean it’s no longer able to register pain, it doesn’t mean that the infection is gone. So, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with us ASAP so we can treat the root of the problem and save your tooth!
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Yes, root canals can often be prevented. The key is prioritizing your oral health. Naturally, that starts with brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently, but it doesn’t end there. It’s equally as important to eat lots of nutrient-dense foods, drink water throughout the day, wear a mouthguard during sports, and schedule a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. Remember, if you start to experience abnormal dental symptoms, like consistent sensitivity, don’t wait – get in touch with us ASAP to schedule an exam.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Thanks to modern technology, advanced techniques, and effective numbing agents, the answer is “no!” Of course, some sensitivity and discomfort are to be expected during the healing process, but you don’t have to worry – we will provide you with aftercare instructions to help you remain comfortable as well.
Are Root Canals Covered by Insurance?
In addition to covering preventive care, many dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost of restorative treatments, including root canals. So, if you are insured, take a moment to read through the fine print on your plan and familiarize yourself with your benefits. If you need any assistance, let us know! We’re happy to welcome several popular providers, including Ameritas, Cigna, Delta Dental, and Guardian.
I Am Scared of the Dentist. What Should I Do?
If you struggle with dental anxiety, don’t hesitate to let us know! That’s often easier said than done, but an open dialogue ensures we have a better understanding of your concerns, worries, and fears as well as how to best alleviate them. For example, if you’ve had a bad experience in the past and the sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office put you on edge, you may benefit from nitrous oxide, which is a mild and fast-acting form of dental sedation.