Root Canal Therapy in Riverside, CA

Your dentist may recommend root canal therapy if a tooth is severely infected. At Riverside Tooth Co, root canal treatment involves the removal of the tooth’s pulp and then cleaning and disinfecting the hollowed area. The tooth is then filled and sealed to prevent future damage. Success rates for root canals are very high. Some patients will experience sensitivity or pain that lasts for a few days due to the procedure. Your Dentist in Riverside, CA may prescribe an over-the-counter pain reliever to alleviate any discomfort you experience after a root canal.

Reasons for a Root Canal

A root canal is often the only way to save a tooth that is severely damaged or infected. During a procedure, the dentist will remove the infected pulp and disinfect the inside of the tooth before filling the tooth with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed with a crown to protect it from further damage and restore full function to your smile. An infected tooth can cause other oral health problems without treatment and endanger your overall health. While a root canal may seem scary, modern dentistry has made these procedures relatively painless and highly effective. 

Aftercare Following a Root Canal Procedure

Root canal therapy is a treatment for a tooth infected or badly decayed. When the tooth is compromised to this extent, the nerves and blood vessels can also become damaged. After the treatment, it is essential to follow several aftercare instructions so that the tooth can heal properly. Here are the most important ones:

The tooth should not be brushed for 24 hours after the procedure. It should be rinsed gently with salt water instead. After the initial 24 hours have passed, the patient can brush and floss normally. However, it’s essential to avoid flossing around the affected area of the gum line.

Even if a patient feels the pain has subsided, avoiding chewing on the treated area is still important. This can cause the restoration to fail. The patient should avoid eating crunchy foods until an appointment for a checkup is scheduled. Hard foods should also be avoided.

Smoking should be avoided after a root canal for at least 72 hours. This is because the substance used to sterilize the canal can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. This can lead to a painful condition known as “reinfection.” For at least two weeks after the root canal, the patient should see the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This will help ensure that the tooth does not become reinfected.

To learn more about root canal therapy and how it can restore your natural smile's health, function, and beauty, visit Riverside Tooth Co. at 6886 Indiana Ave Suite B, Riverside 92506, or call (951) 686-2565.