There is a misconception that root canal therapy is a horrendous, painful procedure that you should avoid at all costs. Fortunately, this isn’t true. With modern anesthetics, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort throughout the duration of the procedure. However, it will take a few days for you to recover from the treatment completely. Continue reading to learn everything you can expect after undergoing root canal therapy.
How Does Root Canal Therapy Work?
When getting root canal therapy, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Once the area has been numbed, a small hole will be made in the enamel so all infected and damaged tissues can be removed from the inside of the tooth. Afterwards, the tooth will be cleaned and sanitized so that it is completely free of bacteria. Lastly, the tooth is filled.
What Can You Expect for Root Canal Recovery?
Initial Sensitivity
After you undergo a root canal, you can expect to experience some sensitivity and soreness. Because this is considered a minor surgery, your mouth will need a little bit of time to heal. In order to ward of any discomfort afterwards, closely follow your dentist’s instructions. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, can help to reduce pain and swelling. Try to stick to softer food to avoid biting down.
Intermediary Recovery
After you have your root canal, your tooth will either be sealed with a permanent or temporary filling. If a temporary filling has been placed, you shouldn’t chew on the tooth until it has been restored by your dentist. Until then, a thin layer of the filling will wear off and the tooth may feel slightly sensitive and fragile. The initial swelling should die down after just a couple of days. If it doesn’t, give your dentist a call for advice.
Permanent Restoration
To ensure the long-term health of your tooth, you should return to your dentist to have your tooth restored in a second appointment. Since the tooth that needs a root canal almost always has a filling or decay, a crown or another restoration is often placed to make the tooth functional again. Ultimately, by keeping up with your dental visits, it is more likely that it will stay healthy for a long period of time.
If you have root canal therapy coming up, you have nothing to fear. By following the instructions of your dentist, you will be smiling again in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Med Dawoud is a graduate of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He continues to expand his knowledge by attending dental seminars held throughout the world. Currently, he has a Fellowship with the prestigious International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and he is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the Essex County Dental Association. For more information on root canal therapy or to schedule an appointment at his office in West Orange, visit his website or call (973) 731-2200.