What is a root canal procedure?
Root canal procedures, or endodontics, is a treatment for the inner pulp of the tooth. They are performed to save teeth from extraction. The dentist or endodontist, a root canal specialist, cleans out the decayed or damaged pulp without breaking the exterior of the tooth root. The cleaned root canal is filled with a bio-compatible rubber-like material called gutta-percha. They are also performed for patients with damaged teeth caused by accidents or fractures. The procedure takes one to two hours to complete.
What are the types of root canal procedures?
Primary root canal treatments are performed using stainless steel files. Stainless steel files could remove only a small amount of infection and could easily break. The more advanced and flexible nickel titanium files do not break easily and are able to clean the entire infected area easily. Rotary instruments used to clean the root canal are quicker than manual instruments. Other advanced root canal procedures make use of ultrasound or laser to effectively clean the root canal.
Is a root canal procedure painful?
Root canal procedures are performed under local anaesthetic. Patients will not feel pain during the procedure.
What is the recovery time after having a root canal procedures?
Patients take about three days to recover after a root canal procedure. Some patients require a week to recover from a root canal procedure.
When can I travel by air after a root canal procedure?
It is safe to travel by air one day after a root canal procedure. Patients should check with their dentist before embarking on their journey. If they feel pain or discomfort, they should postpone their journey until it abates.
What care is required after a root canal procedure?
Patients should take all prescribed medications correctly. They should not eat until the anaesthetic wears off. They should not eat or drink very hot or very cold food for at least a week. They should avoid eating hard food or sticky food. If swelling occurs they should sleep with their head raised for a few days to bring it down.
What are the alternatives to root canal procedures?
Alternatives to root canal procedures include extractions and pulp capping procedures.
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