Root Canals Explained by Your Dentist in Cape May County

Do you have tooth pain? It could be a number of issues, but decay is one of the most common. Tooth decay and tooth infection can be painful and even result in loss of teeth. Thankfully, a root canal procedure from your dentist in Cape May County can save your teeth and get you out of pain fast! Keep reading to learn what root canals are, and how to prevent them.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is severely decayed or has an infection. During the procedure, the sensitive inside of your tooth (pulp) is removed, and the interior of your tooth’s root is cleaned and then sealed off to prevent further decay and infection.

Your dentist will drill a small hole into your tooth to access the inside. They will then remove any infected pulp and bacteria, the decayed nerve tissue, and any related debris that could cause problems. Your dentist will then work their way down your tooth to scrape and scrub the sides of the root canals. They will use water and other rinses to routinely wash away any debris.

Without proper treatment, the tissue surrounding your tooth will become infected, or your tooth may need to be extracted.

What Can I Expect After a Root Canal?

Root canals have a reputation of being painful, but in reality, the discomfort is about the same as receiving a filling. After the root canal procedure, you may feel sensitivity in the tooth for the first few days. This is caused by natural tissue inflammation, and you’ll feel sensitivity especially if you had pain or infection before the procedure.

The sensitivity or discomfort you feel can usually be managed by over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen. Most patients can return to their normal day-to-day activities the next day after their root canal.

How Can I Prevent Root Canals?

Because most of the reason why people need root canal procedures boils down to tooth decay, the best thing you can do to prevent inflammation and infection in your tooth is to practice good oral healthcare.

Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and maintain regular visits to the dentist. You can also use mouthwash to rinse away bacteria and acids that cause decay. Some root canals can be caused by sports related injuries and trauma, so if you play sports, use a mouthguard to protect your pearly whites from damage.

Another great way to protect your teeth against heavy decay is to avoid foods that cause a higher risk of cavities. These foods are typically high in sugar content like candy, soda, and other desserts. If you must indulge, stay away from sweets that stay in contact with your teeth for a long amount of time like jawbreakers or lollipops.

With root canals, their reputation is worse than reality. This procedure is used to save your teeth from extraction and further infection. To avoid root canals, take care of your smile by using some of the above tips.

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Scott J. Maslow has been providing the best care possible for his patients for over 30 years. He remains up-to-date on all the latest techniques in dentistry through over 1000 hours of continuing education courses. He currently practices at Diamond Beach Dental, and can be contacted through his website or by phone at (609) 522-3145 for any questions.