Did my dentist do my root canal correctly?!
Question: Did my dentist do my root canal correctly?
Did he do anything wrong by not using the regular materials? Should I be feeling this kind of soreness?
Thanks!
Answers:
Rubber Dams and Mouth Props are used to keep the jaw open during a long procedure if someone is sore and cannot stay open for the dentist. Most dentists don't need them but will if the patient asks for aid to open. The root treatment you have described is normal, the tenderness can last for a week until the root treatment is complete and a permanent filling is put on. Antibiotics are to prevent infection and take around 24-48 hours to kick in, you are unlikely to develop an infection now so that is good however take regular pain killers such as paracetamol and Ibuprofen until your next appointment if you are still sore. The actual nerve has been twisted out of the nerve chamber and cleaned out vigorously, it has then been packed with a false nerve made of paper which is called a GP point and this is cut off at the top and then sealed with the temp filling. The hot material was when he took the top off the paper points. If in doubt just ask to see your dentist sooner. Good Luck
I am a dental nurse in the UK
Rubber dams (aka dental dams) are not used by all dentists all the time. The purpose of a dental dam is to obtain a dry field and isolation. Moisture control is not usually a problem for teeth near the front of the mouth so many dentists do not use a dam when working in that area. However, dental dams also prevent instruments from being dropped and swallowed by the patient so it acts as a safety net. Post op tenderness and pain are common after a root canal.
DDS in the USA