What You Need to Know Before Root Canal

Most people aren’t delighted to hear they need a root canal, but the procedure has gotten an unfair rap. It’s what precedes the procedure, typically awful mouth pain, that’s the real problem.

The modern version of a root canal offers a permanent solution to a painful dental problem, and it’s now an experience that’s quite similar to getting a filling, thanks to sophisticated dental anesthesia and the high tech tools that are now standard in the field. 

The goal of a root canal is simple: to save your tooth, which is far preferable to getting it pulled. A gap between your teeth can create serious problems like the misalignment of the teeth that surround the hole.  

Dr. Juan M. Carrillo is an expert in all branches of modern dentistry, and if a root canal is in your future, you’re in the best hands. 

Dr. Carrillo assesses and treats you by taking your overall medical and dental history into account and addressing individual issues, like anxiety around going to the dentist. Like our practice’s name says, we provide you with the soothing care you deserve.

What happens during a root canal exactly?

You’re getting a root canal because your tooth - including its pulp and nerves that reside in the root canal - are severely decayed, infected, or both. Dr. Carrillo takes out the pulp, the soft center of your tooth, and deep cleans the root canal. 

Afterward, he fills the void he created when he removed the pulp with gutta-percha, a rubber-like substance that’s strong and completely non-toxic. He then seals the root canal, so you don’t experience an infection again.

Fortunately, Dr. Carrillo’s team has the most sophisticated pain management options available, so you won’t experience discomfort while he employs this solution to preserve your tooth. 

What else should I know before I go?

Many dental offices require that you schedule multiple appointments to do your root canal. However, Dr. Carrillo typically completes the procedure in just one visit, so you’re good to go faster than usual. 

The final phase of the root canal is when Dr. Carrillo fits you with a crown on your affected tooth so you can chew properly and smile with abandon, of course.

Finally, you should also know that though properly executed and cared for root canals can last decades, sometimes they need restoration, and Dr. Carrillo is versed in this as well.

After either a root canal or a restoration, you may have tenderness for a few days post-procedure, but that’s normal, and it decreases quickly. You can also take advantage of over-the-counter pain medications during that period. 

Don’t dread root canals anymore

If you need a root canal, we don’t want you to fear it. You’ll feel unbelievably better once you complete the treatment under the watchful eye and careful hand of Dr. Carrillo and his caring team.

Contact us today to make an appointment. You can call or use our convenient online booking tool. Tooth pain is not only impossible to ignore, but it’s also imperative to treat.