Root canal procedures strike fear in people even though it’s one of the common dental procedures that dentists perform. The American Association of Endodontics suggests that they perform more than 15 million root canals every year. As opposed to the common misconception, root canals are a relatively painless procedure that involves removing infected pulp within the tooth and replacing it with a filling or dental crown.
While it’s common to have a root canal on teeth, that’s towards the back of the mouth, what happens if your endodontist prescribes root canal treatment for a front tooth? We’ll take you through the process and what you can do to make it easier.
1. Why Root Canal?
Teeth have a blood supply, a nerve, and other tissue located within the canals – the hollow section of the tooth. Collectively, this is what we know as dental pulp. Periodontal disease, cavities, and other conditions can allow bacteria to enter the tooth and infect the pulp highlighting the need to remove the pulp, which is the basis of a root canal.
2. Root Canals on Front Teeth are Easier
Since front teeth are thinner than those at the back of the mouth, there’s a small amount of pulp in the canal. The procedure, although similar, is easier to perform and less painful than a root canal at the back. Furthermore, since you will be under anesthetic, you shouldn’t feel anything during the procedure.
3. Shorter Recovery Time
After a root canal on the front tooth, you should start to heal within a few days. Endodontists recommend taking Ibuprofen tablets (600mg) every 6 to 8 hours for three days to assist with the recovery. If you’re allergic to this medication, try Tylenol (500-1000 mg) every 8 hours for three days. If you can’t take these, then you should inform the endodontist. No Need for a Permanent Crown In some cases
Since you do not use your front teeth for intense chewing as opposed to molars and premolars, you may not require a permanent crown, as a filling will suffice during the healing process. After the tooth heals, a permanent composite filling replaces the temporary one. Tooth usually gets darker after root canal which can be either fixed with Internal bleaching or crown
Related Resources: 5 Ways a Root Canal Affects Your Tooth Longevity
4. Costs of Front Teeth Root Canals
Since the root canal on the front teeth is simpler, it’s cheaper than root canals for teeth at the back. The majority of insurance plans cover this treatment, but the exact amount depends on the specifications of your plan.
5. Why You Shouldn’t Postpone
Infected, injured, and damaged teeth require some form of assistance – a root canal is that superhero. If you put off having a root canal, you’re exposing the tooth to bacteria which will weaken it and cause severe damage over time.
Related Resources: Six Reasons Neglecting a Toothache May Cost You More Money and Pain
6. Root Canal Over Extraction
You shouldn’t willingly opt for tooth extraction as it can damage the structure of your mouth and jaw. The advancement of dental technology has made root canals easier and pain-free.
7. Aftercare
To keep your teeth healthy after a root canal, you should brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. For the initial days after the procedure, use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your mouth every day.
Related Resources: Endodontics Patient Care
8. I’m Treatment of Your Teeth
Bear in mind that your root canal requires time to heal, you shouldn’t chew hard substances. This minimizes the possibility of tooth fracture, at least until the final restoration.
9. Reasons to Contact Your Endodontist After the Procedure
If you experience severe pressure that lasts for a few days or visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, it’s best to contact your endodontist. Sometimes, the temporary filling may fall out, or your bite feels uneven.
10. Testimonial from Autumn, Dr. Nour’s Patient in Huntington Beach, CA
My experience was too tier, I got a root canal and experienced 0 pain. The doctor and the staff are incredible and I will absolutely refer this office to everyone who needs this type of work done.
