Saskatoon Dental Group is a locally owned, full-scale Saskatoon dental clinic offering general dentistry services. At Saskatoon Dental Group, we are dedicated to offering excellent care to our amazing patients who are like family to us. We are grateful to treat whole families in Saskatoon across multiple generations and have a multicultural team speaking multiple languages. In our latest Saskatoon dental tip, we talk about what to expect from a root canal procedure.

What is a Root Canal? 

A Root Canal is a procedure that relieves pain caused by an infected or abscessed tooth. During the root canal process, the inflamed pulp is removed. The surfaces inside the tooth are cleaned, disinfected, and a filling is placed to seal the space. After the treatment, many people need a crown placed over the tooth to strengthen it.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

Many people are afraid they’ll have tooth pain after a root canal. However, because the source of infection is removed during the procedure, most find immediate relief following treatment. If throbbing pain is experienced after a root canal, call Saskatoon Dental Group right away.

How long does a Root Canal Take?

Depending on the amount of infection in the tooth, the root canal procedure may require one or two appointments. Generally, a root canal takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. If treatment is needed on a larger tooth with multiple roots, it can take up to an hour and a half.

How should you prepare for Root Canal Procedure?

  • Take all medications as prescribed: Take antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications a few days before the appointment, especially if there is a lot of infection present.
  • Don’t smoke: Tobacco products interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself. Avoid smoking several days before the root canal appointment.
  • Eat a healthy meal: Since the local anesthesia used during root canal therapy will make your mouth numb for a few hours, it’s a good idea to eat before your appointment.

What should you expect after a Root Canal?

While significant pain after a root canal shouldn’t be experienced, you may notice sensitivity for the first few days. These symptoms are normal and can be successfully managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. In most instances, side effects lessen within one to two weeks.

Based on our review, a Root Canal Procedure isn’t that bad, but remember that good oral health habits start at home and we encourage you to visit us once a year for a full checkup and examination. Oral health is closely tied to your overall health and wellness and often we can identify issues before they become problems.

We are always welcoming patients looking for a new dental family. If you would like to book a checkup or if you have any dental questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. We hope we fully explained why you shouldn’t skip your dental check-ups!

See you soon!

The Saskatoon Dental Group Team

 

Drawing of teeth needing a root canal