No one ever wants to hear that they need a root canal. When they do hear it, they tend to think they’re in for a world of hurt. But as with most of modern dentistry, pain is a thing of the past. Root canals from Cascade Endodontics in Orem are a common procedure.
Root canals are actually a rather common procedure. A local anesthetic is applied beforehand, and that’s usually enough to mitigate any pain. By the time patients sit down for a root canal they’ve usually had pain for a while: when biting down, or when they eat hot or cold foods, or from swelling gum tissue. The root canal will relieve it.
We perform root canals for several reasons. One is that the nerve resting below the affected tooth has bacteria from a cavity. Another is that an exposed or damaged nerve breaks, resulting in irreversible inflammation. Because of that, the infected dental pulp, debris, and bacteria has to be removed.
When everything has been removed, the tooth is cleaned and sealed. A dental crown is placed over it, restoring the tooth to its full function.
When the root canal is over and the anesthetic wears off, patients may have a little bit of pain, sensitivity, and soreness. This usually goes away after a couple of days. Root canal pain is at its worst during the twenty-four hours after the procedure is over. A pain reliever like Tylenol or ibuprofen is enough for most people.
The really good news about root canals is that they are usually enough to save the tooth. A tooth that’s had root canal treatment can last just as long as an ordinary tooth.
At Cascade Endodontics in Orem, we perform root canals on a regular basis. We also provide toothache relief and many other treatments. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
Jon Jenson DDS
Cascade Endodontics
1375 E 800 N Ste 203
Orem, UT 84097
801-404-5810