As a suburb of Miami, there’s always something going on in Hialeah. From the Latin culture to the incredible Cuban cuisine, you’re guaranteed to be out and about enjoying the town whether you’re a local or a visitor. But if you have tooth pain, swelling, or discomfort, it can damper the experience. Any of these symptoms mean it’s time to schedule an appointment with a local dentist in Hialeah to diagnose the cause of these issues.
How to know if you need a root canal
Some of the most common symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal are:
- Swelling of the gums
- Tooth discomfort and pain
- Sudden discoloration
- Extreme sensitivity to temperatures in the mouth, whether hot or cold
If you have these symptoms, your dentist will perform a visual exam and may use X-rays or other procedures to test if you need a root canal. A root canal procedure can help save your natural tooth. Without root canal therapy, you might instead face a tooth extraction followed by an implant.
What happens during a root canal?
Root canal therapy is a multi-appointment procedure. The first visit is relatively quick, lasting only about an hour. During the procedure, the dentist removes the dental pulp or the infected inner part of the tooth. Once the tooth canal is cleaned and disinfected, the dentist fills it with a rubber-like material, followed by a temporary filling on the crown of the treated tooth.
After a week or two, you’ll return to the dentist for your second visit. At this stage, you’ll have the permanent crown placed. The crown is intended to strengthen your original tooth and also protect it from potential future harm now that the pulp is gone.
How to prepare for a root canal procedure
Here are the steps you can take to prepare for a root canal:
- Follow your dentist’s instructions for the procedure. Since you’ll likely receive a local anesthetic to numb your mouth during the procedure, your dentist will instruct you on what to do before arriving at the office. For instance, you may have to avoid consuming alcohol or tobacco in the 24 hours prior.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. When the numbing agent wears off, you might experience some pain. Taking a pain reliever in advance could help alleviate some of the discomfort.
- Plan for a soft food diet. Until your permanent crown or filling is secured on the tooth, you’ll want to avoid chewing or biting with it, especially with hard or crunchy foods. One way to prevent chewing is to opt for soft foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, or soft vegetables during this period. If you have hard or crunchy foods, ensure you’re not biting with the tooth where you received root canal treatment.
The bottom line
A root canal procedure is one way to save your natural tooth. But it’s important to understand what happens during the treatment and how to prepare before you decide to go through with it. Your local Hialeah dental professionals are best equipped to help you understand all available treatment options and choose the best one for your dental health and budget.
