What to Expect During Your Root Canal Procedure

When a root canal is performed, a dental professional removes the infected pulp from inside a tooth to save it from extraction. The steps in this procedure are:
 
● Numbing – At the start of the procedure, the dental professional will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you stay comfortable throughout the root canal treatment.
● Dental dam placement – A small rubber sheet, known as a dental dam, will be carefully placed around the tooth to keep it dry and clean.
● Accessing the infected pulp – Next, the dentist will create a small opening to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
● Cleaning and shaping the canals – The dental expert will skillfully remove the infected tooth pulp with specialized instruments, meticulously clean the inside of the canals, and shape them to prepare for filling.
● Filling the canals – The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) to seal the space and prevent future infections.
● Sealing the tooth – Finally, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening until a permanent restoration, such as a crown, can be applied.

It’s common for a root canal to be completed in a single appointment, especially if the infection is caught early. However, certain situations require two visits to complete the procedure:
 
● Complex cases – If the tooth has more than one canal, complex anatomy, or a severe infection, your dentist may need to spread the treatment over two appointments.
● Restoration – In some cases, a root canal-treated tooth requires a crown for added protection. If your dentist recommends a crown, you will need to come in for a second appointment, so the crown can be properly placed.
 
Your dentist will discuss the treatment plan in detail with you, so you’ll know in advance how many appointments to expect.

After root canal treatment, recovery is typically swift. Patients commonly report that they’ve returned to their normal activities the following day. After the procedure, you can expect:
 
● Mild soreness – You should expect some mild pain in the area for a few days post-procedure, especially if the tooth is severely infected. In some cases, the specialist will recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate discomfort.
● Swelling – Some minor swelling or tenderness in the gums near the treated tooth is also common. Applying an ice pack to the cheek in short intervals is a great way to manage the swelling.
● Diet adjustments – To protect the treated tooth, your dentist will advise against chewing on it until it’s been fully restored with a permanent crown. During the initial recovery, focus on eating soft foods and avoid extreme temperatures or crunchy items.
● Follow-up visit – Your dentist will schedule a follow-up to either place a permanent crown on the tooth or to assess the success of the root canal.
 
Typically, your symptoms should subside within a few days, and any lingering soreness should resolve as your mouth heals. If you experience severe pain, intense swelling, or other unusual symptoms, get in touch with our team for support.

If you’re booked in for a root canal procedure, you’re likely wondering how to prepare. As your mouth will be numb during the treatment, it’s recommended to eat a light snack or meal before your appointment. You’ll need to avoid eating immediately after the treatment until the numbness subsides.
 
In addition, you should let your dentist know about any anxiety or concerns you have. They can explain the procedure in detail and offer options to make you feel at ease, such as sedation. If your dentist has prescribed antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications before your root canal, it’s important to take them as directed.
 
Being well-prepared will help make the process of getting a root canal go as smoothly as possible. The dedicated team at Clean Dentistry By Bellisima is here to ensure you know what to expect going into your root canal.
 
If you’d like more information about the root canal procedure or wish to schedule an appointment, reach out to our dedicated specialists today at CLEAN DENTISTRY by Bellisima. We provide trusted and professional dental care that prioritizes your comfort and well-being. Our office is conveniently located at 4161 South Eastern Ave, Suite E8, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119. We proudly serve patients from Las Vegas, Winchester, Paradise, Spring Valley, North Las Vegas, Whitney, and the surrounding areas.