Root Canal Treatment FAQ

No one likes getting a root canal. But if you need one, it’s best to go to an experienced dentist like Dr. Langellier. Not only does he offer emergency care (when you call before 10 am) but he also has years of experience treating patients of all ages. Dr. Langellier will also do everything in his power to ensure you remain safe, comfortable, and pain-free during root canal treatment.

Here’s what you need to know.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

Dr. Langellier may recommend root canal therapy if a large crack, chip, or cavity has damaged the innermost chamber of your tooth. This chamber is called dental pulp and it contains the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Once this pulp is infected, Dr. Langellier will need to remove it before any bacteria reaches the bloodstream.

Please call us ASAP if you have the following symptoms:

• Prolonged tooth sensitivity to heat and cold
• Pain while you eat or touch the tooth
• Loose teeth
• Dental abscess (may look like a pimple on the gums)
• Darkening of the tooth to a grayish-black color
• Swollen gums
• Persistent toothache
• Chipped or cracked tooth

An abscessed tooth will not go away on its own. That’s why it’s important that you call our office as soon as possible if you suspect there’s something wrong with your tooth.

Related Blog Post: Do I Need an Emergency Root Canal? →

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?

Before root canal treatment, many patients report feeling a tremendous amount of pain. This makes sense because pain is the body’s way of telling you something is wrong. By treating the source of your pain, you’ll feel much better in the long run.

Before we start the procedure, we’ll use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue. While you won’t feel any pain during the root canal, you may feel a little pressure at times.

We’ll give you instructions for you to follow after root canal therapy. That way, we can set you up for success during recovery and minimize any pain you may feel.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

First, Dr. Langellier will inject a local anesthetic into the soft tissue by your tooth. Once you’re numb and comfortable, he’ll create a small opening at the top of your tooth. Then, he’ll use small dental instruments to remove the abscessed pulp from the inside of your tooth. He’ll also remove any infection from your tooth roots.

Once the infection has been removed, Dr. Langellier will clean and sanitize the inside of your tooth. Next, he’ll seal the tooth roots and fill the empty pulp chamber with a material called gutta-percha.

He’ll then take digital dental impressions of your teeth to send to the lab that will make your permanent dental crown. In the meantime, Dr. Langellier will place a temporary filling or crown over your tooth.

When you return to our office for your second appointment, Dr. Langellier will replace the temporary restoration with the permanent one.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Root Canal Treatment?

Most patients experience mild to moderate pain for the first few days after root canal treatment. For this reason, we recommend taking the day off from work or school if you need a root canal. You’ll still be able to drive after the procedure, but it may be difficult to concentrate when the numbness starts to fade.

Depending on your situation, Dr. Langellier may prescribe you antibiotics and/or pain relievers. Be sure to take your prescription medication as directed by our dentist. If you don’t receive any prescriptions, we’ll give you instructions for how to take over-the-counter pain relievers so you remain as comfortable as possible throughout the healing process.

Learn More About Root Canal Treatment

Dr. Langellier is an emergency dentist in Wyoming, MI, who is accepting new patients. To request an appointment, please call Bowtie Dental at (616) 532-9003. For non-emergencies, you may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.