If you are about to have a root canal for the first time, you may be wondering what you should expect after the treatment. Many patients get quite nervous when they hear the words, “root canal,” but it is much less scary than you might think. Although it may seem undesirable, you will actually feel much better after the procedure and be glad that you had it done. Learning a bit more about the treatment may help you to feel better about it.
When is a root canal procedure needed?
The root canal procedure is usually needed when a patient’s tooth or teeth are infected or damaged deep within the tooth. The procedure involves the removal of the damaged or infected tissue within the tooth, the cleaning and disinfecting of the area, and is finished off by the filling and sealing of the tooth. It is important that you don’t put off your root canal procedure as the infection and damage can spread to other teeth or even the bone, which can result in more pain, time, effort, and money for you in the long run.
When it comes to your root canal therapy in Irving, it is very important that you engage in proper care techniques to keep the teeth and mouth healthy and ensure yourself a quick recovery.
What you will feel
After the procedure, it is normal to feel a bit of tenderness and pain in the area worked on and the jaw. Any pain or discomfort should only last about a week or so. If your pain continues for longer than about a week, or you begin to experience the symptoms you had prior to the procedure then you should call your dentist immediately. If your mouth is swollen or something feels off with your bite these are other reasons to call your dentist. To treat the normal jaw and tooth pain you can use over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen.
How to care for your teeth
After your root canal, you will want to continue brushing and flossing as you normally would. This means brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. It is very important that you do not avoid the tooth that has been treated as a buildup of bacteria can reverse the potential results of the root canal.
Eating after a root canal
You should avoid chewing or biting down on the tooth that was treated. Try to only eat soft foods while your tooth is healing and recovering. You should also avoid sugary foods as well.
Your next appointment
After the tooth heals you must go back to the dentist to have the temporary crown removed and replaced with a permanent root canal crown. The dental crown covers the whole tooth but gives the look and feel of a natural tooth. Typically, this is only a few days after the treatment. Your Irving dentist will give you a more accurate time estimate.
If you have more questions about a root canal or would like to schedule an appointment with our experienced and trusted team here at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
