Root Canal

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental restoration procedure in which Dr. Oroz repairs badly decaying or infected teeth to prevent them from falling out or requiring extraction. During treatment, he cleans and disinfects the pulp, or inside of the tooth, and restores it to prevent future damage.

Why might I need a root canal?

You might require a root canal if you exhibit signs of severe tooth decay or infection. Examples include:

• A fever
• A cracked tooth
• A severe toothache
• Hot and cold sensitivity
• Facial or cheek swelling
• Pain with biting or chewing
• Tender, swollen lymph nodes
• Foul tasting fluid in your mouth

While severe tooth decay can happen to anybody, your risk of experiencing it increases with poor dental hygiene, dry mouth, and a diet high in added sugars. See Dr. Oroz and the team at Katy Trails Family Dentistry at the first sign of tooth pain to help save your tooth.

What should I expect during a root canal?

To find out if a root canal or other dental restoration is right for you, Dr. Oroz reviews your symptoms and examines your teeth. He also uses dental X-rays to determine the extent of tooth damage you have.

During a root canal, Dr. Oroz numbs the area so you don’t feel any discomfort. He creates an opening in the top of your tooth, removes the diseased pulp, cleans and disinfects the pulp chamber, and fills it with special dental restoration materials.

He can place a filling or crown on the tooth to strengthen it and prevent future damage. You might need to take antibiotics if your tooth was infected. 

What is the recovery process following a root canal?

After a root canal, your teeth and gums will start to feel sore as the anesthetic wears off. It's also normal for your gums to swell a little. Ice and over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can ease swelling and help with the pain.

Try to avoid doing anything for the next 24 hours, but it should be fine to resume normal activities the following day. You need to go back to see Dr. Oroz a few days after your root canal when he takes X-rays to ensure the infection is gone.

If you experience tooth damage or pain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Oroz at Katy Trails Family Dentistry by phone or online today.