Endodontics, also known as root canals, are performed on decaying or badly cracked teeth to preserve them and stop further deterioration. Most dental clinics that offer general dentistry  services perform root canals, including Rippe Dental Associates in Centennial, CO!

Rippe Dental Associates is one of the top general dentistry clinics in Centennial and our team has extensive training in general dentistry procedures. Since a root canal is a surgical operation there are specific aftercare instructions that should be performed to keep the area clean and aid in the healing process. Dr. Rippe and his team always ensure patients understand these and the procedure before performing it.

What is A Root Canal Treatment?

The fundamental reason for getting a root canal is to alleviate pain and discomfort from a broken or infected tooth. Our teeth have an enamel covering on the exterior of them and another covering of dentin underneath that to protect the pulp of our teeth where the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue are. When your tooth breaks or decay penetrates these coverings, the pulp can become irritated and swollen causing pain. If you've been suffering from tooth pain for a little while now, root canal therapy may be the right treatment for you!

During a root canal your dentist will first numb the area so you are not in pain during the procedure and then create a hole in the crown of the tooth so the infected or inflamed pulp can be removed. The interior of the teeth is then washed out and a filler will be applied to seal the area. Because the teeth are often fragile with no pulp, you'll likely need to return to have a dental crown put on your tooth.

What To Do After A Root Canal?

Since a root canal is a general dentistry operation, it will require aftercare to prevent infection and aid in healing the surgical site. Dr. Rippe and his team have made a list of care instructions to follow after your root canal, see them below:

Wait for numbing to wear off

Your mouth will be numbed so you are comfortable during the procedure and it is normal for this numbing to last for a few hours after the procedure. Before eating or drinking it is recommended to let the numbing wear off so you don’t hurt yourself by biting your lips or tongue too hard. Also, it is advised to avoid hot drinks that could burn your mouth until you have full feeling of your mouth back and can feel the temperature.

Manage pain

While a root canal ultimately will reduce discomfort, you should expect minor discomfort around the surgical site following the procedure. Your jaw may also be sore due to keeping your mouth open for a long period of time. Usually, over-the-counter pain relievers will effectively treat this discomfort, but your specific dentist may recommend a prescription medication in some instances.

Maintain proper dental health

Following a root canal, it's crucial to keep up with your oral and dental health to prevent bacteria from infecting the area. A good dental hygiene routine includes bruising your teeth at least two times a day, flossing daily, and using antimicrobial mouthwash to wash out bacteria.

Follow Up Appointment

Following your root canal, your dentist will want to ensure your teeth and gums have recovered completely and that you don’t have any question or concerns about your dental health. This is your reminder to schedule your follow up appointment before your initial root canal procedure.

Visit Centennial’s General Dentistry Experts

Some people may think root canals are scary, but the general dentistry specialists at Rippe Dental Associates are experts in this procedure and will ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Our team also uses the most up-to-date dental technology so you can rest assured knowing you are in good hands. Contact us today at (303) 779-9876 or visit our website for more information about our services! https://www.drrippe.com/