Lasers in Dentistry

Service Description

What Actually Takes Place During a Root Canal? The purpose of a root canal is to eliminate the infection from within the tooth. This is achieved by removing the pulp, nerve, and cleaning the inside of the tooth and sealing it to prevent future infection. The nerve is where bacteria builds up and leads to an abscess if it’s not treated. (Abscesses are very painful and dangerous, so you don’t want one). Because the role of the nerve is to respond to taste sensations, removing the nerve of a tooth will not affect the way you eat but may affect your taste sensations. Practical Measures You Can Take That Will Minimize Your Chances of Having a Root Canal Your diet is as important to your oral health as it is to your body’s. To minimize your risk of a root canal, you can take the following proactive steps. Regular dental check-ups Flossing and brushing daily Avoid a lot of sugar and foods with high acid content Gargle with mouthwash to help eliminate bacteria in the mouth Aftercare When You’ve Had a Root Canal What can you eat and how do you care for your teeth after a root canal? For most patients, the uncomfortable truth is that there will be some pain after you’ve had a root canal procedure. The main causes are usually inflammation and infection. Inflammation may occur when the root canal file has gone beyond the end of the root. Infection is common when the procedure triggers bacteria within the root. The most common source of pain is due to inflammation, not always in conjunction with infection. Once you’ve had a root canal procedure, it’s important to remember that now your tooth or teeth are ready to begin their healing journey. Your mouth will let you know what’s comfortable, but there are some simple guidelines for good aftercare. Avoid crunchy, hard foods. This is not the time to indulge your love of corn-on-the-cob. Stick to soft foods and even better, liquid foods like soup until your teeth feel ready for solids.