Root Canal Treatment in Sunnyvale, CA

Pain or tooth sensitivity can both happen when bacteria gets through deep cavities and infects the dental pulp or inner part of the tooth. To eliminate the infection and ease the pain, a careful root canal procedure is needed.

During a root canal treatment, your specialized endodontist will remove the infected parts and pulp, if necessary, ensuring that the inflammation is eradicated.

It is not. An endodontic treatment with a Sunnyvale dentist using adequate tools and the latest technology will ensure a pain-free and stress-free dental treatment.

One single treatment can fix your teeth for a lifetime. However, maintaining good dental care habits is crucial to keep gums and teeth healthy.

Costs can differ based on a few factors which all will be assessed and identified during the first dental checkup on your first visit. Our experts can help you figure out costs and the payment plan that works best for you. So no need to worry about that.

Basically, sensitivity and a bit of pain. Those can be avoided with a proper follow up plan. They are normal symptoms which will lessen within the first week.  Swelling or getting an abscess are other side effects that may last for a short duration of time.

The 3 required steps are:

• Extirpation – Affected tooth is numbed, and drilled through the dental crown, cleaning the root canal and removing infected parts.
• Instrumentation – A thorough clean down to the canal ensuring no bacteria is left anywhere in the tooth.
• Obturation - Filling the root canal with Gutta Percha rubber to seal it tight. A temporary or permanent filling is placed based on the initial damage.

Antibiotics are not necessary. However,  it is important to follow your endodontist’s instructions following a root canal treatment. Ask all of your questions during your visit and discuss all options with your dentist so you can know what to expect and avoid any discomfort.

Crispy, hard food is to be avoided along with very hot or cold meals or beverages. Make sure to stay away from sticky or chewy food as well until full recovery.

• Root canal treatment will save your teeth. They are designed to get rid of the infection without endangering the tooth. The dental pros will remove all the infected dental pulp at the root of your tooth while leaving it in place.
• Root canal treatments are Painless. Thanks to modern dentistry, root canals are relatively painless. In fact, the whole point of a root canal is to relieve pain caused by damaged tissue.
• Root canal treatments are necessary for preventing a spread of infection.
• Root canal treatments save time and money if treated early on. It’s a simple procedure if done early before the infection spreads.
• Root canal treatment does not cause illness.

It is CRITICAL to follow all the instructions to prepare for surgery. Your procedure WILL NOT be carried out, if these precautions are not followed. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone surgery if any of the instructions are not followed. If you have any questions, please call or text (408) 505-1777. Notify our practice of any changes to your health before your procedure.

Activity

• Get full night’s sleep before and after the treatment. The human body recovers the most when at rest. Most of the "repairs" are done while a person is asleep, so make sure you get a lot of sleep to make the recovery from the procedure as smooth as possible.

Diet

• Avoid anything to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your appointment.
• Consumption of alcohol must be avoided, 24 hours prior to the surgery.
• If you use tobacco or marijuana products, please refrain from using it at the day of the procedure and be prepared to stop for a period afterwards. It is advisable to use anti-smoking aids (Ex. Lozenge, Patch, Anti-smoking pills)

Medication

• If you are taking any medication, please inform your dentist immediately. If you take prescription medication, take them at your normal times unless otherwise directed by your physician or dentist. DO NOT stop taking any prescription medication unless directed by your physician and dentist.

Oral hygiene

• Please brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly before surgery.

Driver/Caretaker

• Your driver/caretaker MUST be present at the time of sedation and must be able to stay with you during the procedure, take you back home and stay with you. We will discuss the post-operative instructions with you and your driver/caretaker prior to sedation process.

Clothing

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for the procedure. Your clothes may stain during the procedure so dress accordingly. Wear Flat-soled shoes that support your ankle.
• Do not wear cosmetics around the mouth, as they may be inadvertently transferred in the surgical area during the procedure. Prior to surgery, your nose, cheeks, lips, and chin will be disinfected.

Time

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
• Time is set aside specifically to place your procedure. We have reserved enough time to ensure that the operation proceeds smoothly so that the outcome will be successful. If you feel you will have any problem keeping your appointment, please give us as much notice as possible so that we might utilize your time for another patient.

Alcohol

• Consumption of alcohol must be avoided, 24 hours prior to the surgery.

Next Steps

Root canal treatment is only one step in returning your tooth to normal function. A final restoration, such as a core filling or crown, is extremely important to protect the tooth from fracture and seal it from reinfection.

Please schedule your next appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, preferably within the next 1 to 3 weeks, so the tooth can be permanently restored. Delaying the final restoration may result in fracture, reinfection, or possible loss of the tooth.

Precautions

The numbness should last approximately 1 to 2 hours, although it may sometimes last longer. Wait until it has completely worn off before eating or drinking. This will help you avoid spilling or accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.

The treated tooth is fragile. Until it has been fully restored by your dentist:

• Avoid chewing or biting on the treated tooth.
• Avoid sticky foods, especially gum.
• Avoid hard foods and hard substances such as ice, hard candy, fingernails, and pencils.
• Chew on the opposite side of your mouth whenever possible.

If the tooth was sealed with a temporary material, it is normal for part of the filling to wear away over time. However, if you believe a large portion has come out, contact your dentist so the tooth can be restored sooner.

Pain Relief

Some soreness of the treated tooth, jaw, or gums is normal, especially when chewing. This should gradually improve and generally subside within one week.

You may take over-the-counter pain medication as needed:

• Ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®): 600 mg up to four times per day, with food
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®): 500 mg up to two times per day, with food

Antibiotics are not always recommended as part of root canal treatment but may be prescribed depending on your case. If antibiotics are prescribed, take the full course as directed, even if you already feel better.

Oral Hygiene

Continue brushing and flossing as usual, but take care not to brush aggressively around the treated tooth.

To help reduce soreness or swelling, you may rinse gently with warm salt water three times per day. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water, then rinse, swish, and spit.

Please Contact Us Right Away If You Experience:

• A return or increase of your original symptoms
• Pain that persists or worsens beyond a few days
• Pain that cannot be controlled with the recommended medication
• Visible swelling inside or outside your mouth
• A rash, hives, or itching
• A bite that feels uneven or causes the treated tooth to touch first
• Loss of a large portion of the temporary filling
• Any other unexpected symptoms or concerns

If you have any problems or concerns, please call us at (408) 505-1777.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your dental care team.

• You develop a fever
• You develop a swelling
• You notice a pimple forming on your gums
• You have difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Pain increases over time and or becomes severe
• You have any concerns or questions

Email: care@tridentsmilesdental.com

Phone: (408) 505-1777

If you are unable to contact your dentist and are in pain or have other concerns, go to your nearest emergency room.

If you experience any life-threatening problems, call 911 immediately for assistance.