We get it – no one wants to hear their dentist say ‘root canal therapy.’ Those dreaded words have been plaguing patients for centuries! But, many dental treatments have made tremendous strides in both comfort and effectiveness over the years. Root canal therapy with our dentist in Naperville, IL, is no exception.
If you need root canal therapy, then don’t wait. You deserve gentle and swift treatment. Let Dr. Thomas F. Brown and his skilled team help you treat the infection for lasting relief. New and existing patients can request urgent dental care in Naperville, IL, at (630) 369-3120 now.
While it’s true that modern root canal therapy is much gentler than previous iterations, we know that you may be hesitant to believe it. In this post, we endeavor to lay your fears to rest. Here, we go over root canal therapy from start to finish so that you know what to expect.
Root Canal Therapy: Before
A root canal infection makes its presence very well known. Common signs and symptoms of a root canal infection may include:
- Extreme dental pain, especially with pressure and temperature changes
- Gum swelling, tenderness, and bleeding
- Sudden bad breath that does not go away after brushing or flossing
- Tooth discoloration
- A pus-filled sac at the infection site
- Fever
- Fatigue
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, contact Dr. Brown immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your prognosis may be.
To prepare for root canal therapy, here’s what we recommend before attending your appointment:
- Avoid all alcohol and tobacco products (including smokeless) for at least 24 hours before treatment
- Get plenty of sleep the night before
- Eat a healthy meal or snack before your appointment (local anesthesia may take a while to wear off, making eating difficult)
- Take a painkiller before the procedure, like acetaminophen
- Take any prescribed antibiotics as directed
- Thoroughly brush and floss before your appointment
Root Canal Therapy: During
Dentists want their patients to be completely comfortable during a root canal procedure. That’s why many dentists use local anesthesia at the infection site to dull any pain or unwanted sensations during treatment.
Once the effects of the local anesthesia take hold, then the dentist can begin removing the infection inside the compromised tooth. After the infection is completely removed, the dentist smooths the inside of the tooth before plugging it with a putty-like material.
The putty-like material protects the hollow tooth from invading bacteria. A custom-made dental crown placed over the tooth further protects it from bacteria and keeps the entire tooth structure intact. With the crown cured into place, the tooth is infection-free and ready for gentle use!
Root Canal Therapy: After
Root canal therapy aftercare is relatively simple. We recommend that patients:
- Take all prescription painkillers and antibiotics as directed
- Take any over-the-counter painkillers as directed according to the packaging
- If a temporary crown is placed, bite and chew very carefully until the permanent crown is placed
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling and pain
- Gently rinse with warm salt water to prevent infections
- Carefully continue daily oral hygiene, like twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing
- Visit a dentist in Naperville, IL, at least twice a year for routine exams and cleanings
Gentle Root Canal Treatment in Naperville, IL
Experts believe that dentists perform roughly 15 million root canals every year. Think you might need this common procedure? Ask Dr. Thomas Brown and his team if root canal therapy in Naperville, IL, is right for you. Request an appointment online here, or call us at (630) 369-3120 for booking and more!