A root canal is usually recommended to patients with a badly decayed tooth in an effort to save the remaining parts of the tooth and stop pain. The procedure involves the removal of the decayed parts of the tooth as well as the nerve and pulp and sealing shut the gap in the tooth. This type of treatment prevents the decay from spreading to the rest of the tooth and surrounding tissues.
If you are curious what recovery from a root canal is like, here’s what you can expect after the procedure.
Root Canal Recovery
Recovery from root canal initially takes about a week, followed by a follow-up appointment with your dentist. The success of root canal surgery involves your active participation. Your dentist will provide detailed instructions on what to do and what not to do while in recovery. If you stick to the recommendations, you will likely have a faster and more comfortable recovery.
Pay Close Attention To How You Feel In The Following Few Days
It is normal to experience pain and swelling after the procedure. You will be prescribed pain medication for a more comfortable recovery or you could take over the counter anti-inflammatory medication. Remember, mild to moderate pain and discomfort is normal, but pain that increasingly gets worse is not. It’s important to pay close attention for signs of infection, such as intense throbbing pain, discharge or bleeding, or feeling feverish. If you notice any such signs, get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible.
Modify Your Diet
Be careful not to stress your tooth out too much in the beginning, and eat soft foods, such as bananas, soup, oatmeal, and soft rice meals. You must wait until you have fully recovered to eat hard and crunchy foods.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Change the poor oral habits that got you to a point of needing a root canal in the first place. Practice good oral hygiene by regularly brushing your teeth and flossing at least once a day. While in recovery from a root canal, be gentle when brushing and flossing your teeth.
Follow Up With Your Dentist
After the procedure, the dentist will still need to restore the crown and final filling, therefore, do not skip out on your follow-up appointment. Dentists usually schedule this within two to four weeks after the root canal. If you wait too long, you could risk breaking your tooth and developing other complications.
If you notice signs of infection and you are unable to get a hold of your dentist, please seek emergency dental care, or ask your dentist’s office for instructions in case of an emergency.
Root Canal Treatment In Minneapolis – St. Paul, MN
If you’ve been suffering from chronic tooth pain, chances are, you’ve got a decaying and infected tooth. At Hagerman Dental Care, we can help preserve your tooth, prevent serious infection from spreading to the surrounding oral structures, and relieve your pain.
With years of experience, Dr. Steven Hagermen and the rest of the dental team are able to diagnose and treat your dental issue in a single visit, saving you time and discomfort. To request an appointment, call Hagerman Dental Care at (651) 646-2392 or submit a request now. Our friendly staff looks forward to serving you.