Finding a Root Canal Dentist: What You Need to Know for a Smooth Procedure

A dental emergency can occur with little or no warning. When these emergencies involve extreme pain, it is particularly traumatic. In some cases, tooth loss can even occur without prompt treatment. A root canal isn’t something to be afraid of. Modern dental techniques used by Dr. Varvara Clark make root canals virtually painless, and they don’t deserve their bad reputation. Most importantly, this procedure can save your tooth.

About Root Canals

Inside teeth, there is a soft tissue called the pulp. Pulp contains blood vessels and nerves, so when it becomes infected or inflamed, it’s usually very painful. For a root canal, Dr. Clark removes infected pulp. Then, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and filled with filling material. Last, the root canal is sealed to prevent further infection or decay. If the tooth is weak or brittle, a porcelain crown will be placed over it to protect it.

How to Know if You Need a Root Canal

Dr. Clark will work closely with patients to determine whether or not a root canal is needed. However, a few different things can cause a tooth to become inflamed or infected, including trauma to the root, deep cavities, or cracks. If you experience any of these symptoms, it may indicate that you need a root canal:

• Sensitivity to cold or hot foods and beverages
• Excruciating pain in a tooth
• Tender or swollen gums
• Discoloration in a tooth

Root Canals Are Virtually Painless

While the phrase “root canal” strikes dread in many people, most of this dread and fear is because of misconceptions about the procedure. In the early days of dentistry, there were ineffective anesthetics, but that’s no longer the case. Today, more than 15 million Americans undergo root canal therapy. Most patients say the pain with a root canal is comparable to having a cavity filled. During the procedure, the entire area is numbed, so patients feel no pain.

Sedation and Anesthesia for a Root Canal

In most cases, patients don’t need to be sedated for a root canal. The area of the affected tooth is thoroughly numbed with a local anesthetic. Patients who experience dental anxiety can also opt for nitrous oxide gas, which helps people relax.

How Long a Root Canal Takes

A root canal is done in one dental visit, which takes 60 to 90 minutes.

Eating After a Root Canal

After root canal therapy, it’s best to eat soft foods for a day or two. Also, Dr. Clark recommends chewing on the side opposite that of the treated tooth. Foods such as yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are ideal. It’s important to avoid eating foods that might damage the temporary filling, such as hard, sticky, or crunchy foods.

A Dentist That Does Root Canals in Chalfont, PA

When you need a root canal, you can trust that Dr. Varvara Clark and the team at Chalfont Dental Care in Chalfont, Pennsylvania, will provide you with excellent care. Call today at (215) 826-3282 or use the online form to request an appointment.

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