What Is Root Canal Therapy?
If you have an infected tooth, a root canal is the best way to save it and relieve your pain and discomfort. During a root canal procedure, Dr. Inna Solovey will open up your tooth, clean out the inside, and eliminate the infection. Then, she will fill and seal the tooth to protect it from further damage. With a root canal, you can save your tooth, avoid tooth extraction, and eliminate your toothache. Got a toothache in Newtown Square? Contact us online or give us a call at (267) 692-2922 to schedule a consultation and get the help you need.
DID YOU KNOW…
Getting root canal therapy can save you from more invasive procedures, like a tooth extraction.
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How It Works: The Root Canal Treatment Process
Tooth numbing and prep
First, Dr. Solovey will numb and clean the treatment area. Then, she will remove any damaged tooth material with a dental drill, and create a small opening in the tooth.
Cleaning and filling your tooth
Dr. Solovey will use special tools and instruments to clean the inside of your tooth and remove any damaged and decayed pulp. Then, she will sanitize the inside of your tooth and fill it with a material called “gutta-percha,” which replaces the extracted pulp and strengthens your tooth.
Temporary crown placement
As the last step of your root canal, Dr. Solovey will place a temporary crown to protect your newly-treated tooth. You will need to come back for a few follow-ups to get a permanent porcelain crown.
What To Expect After Root Canal Therapy
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Aftercare
After your root canal, you can get right back to your normal routine. You can eat as soon as your numbing wears off. We don’t recommend eating while your mouth is numb, since you could bite your cheek or tongue.
Your tooth may feel a bit tender, but this will go away after a day or two. You can brush and floss normally after you get a root canal.
Temporary Crown
You will usually get a temporary crown after your root canal. This crown is not quite as durable as a permanent crown, so be careful when brushing and flossing around your temporary crown. You should also avoid chewing tough, crunchy, and sticky foods on this side of your mouth, as these could dislodge your temporary crown.
Permanent Crown
After your initial appointment, you’ll need to come back to our office for several appointments over the next few weeks. During these appointments, Dr. Solovey will craft your permanent porcelain crown. Porcelain crowns look just like natural teeth, last 20+ years with proper care, and require no special care beyond brushing and flossing.
DID YOU KNOW…
Regular flossing allows you to clean an additional 40% of your tooth surface.
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Have Questions About Root Canals? Find Answers Here.
No. Root canals are minimally invasive, and at Smileform Dentistry, we make sure that your mouth is completely numb before treatment. And with a root canal, you’ll get relief from the discomfort of your toothache, which can be extremely painful.
Yes. Most dental insurance policies cover root canals if they are medically necessary, up to all applicable plan limits. We recommend consulting with your policy documentation or directly with your insurer for more information.