Will you soon undergo root canal therapy? It is understandable if you are a bit nervous about your upcoming treatment. What will your recovery be like? When will your mouth feel normal again? This blog post aims to give you a preview of what you can expect after your root canal. If you carefully follow your dentist’s post-op instructions, you should have a smooth and relatively easy experience!
Oral Sensitivity
If you currently have a severe toothache, root canal therapy can put an immediate end to the pain. That is because the procedure involves the removal of the tooth’s nerve. However, the procedure itself might cause some swelling, sensitivity, bleeding, and discomfort. After all, it is a surgery!
To minimize your discomfort, you might need to take some mild pain relievers, apply cold compresses, and eat a soft diet. Things like applesauce, brothy soups, and meal replacement shakes can be good choices. If you eat anything that requires chewing, try to move your food to the opposite side of your mouth from where your root canal was done. Exposing the tooth to extra force before you are fully recovered could increase your discomfort.
Rest Is Important
You might be sedated during your procedure, in which case you could feel groggy and tired for up to a full day after your appointment. Be sure to listen to your body’s cues and get enough rest. Many people choose to request at least one or two days off work so they can focus on their recovery. Staying home is especially important if your job involves a lot of physical activity; you should avoid strenuous exercise for at least a few days!
Your Follow-Up Appointment
Your dentist will schedule you for a follow-up some time after your root canal. They will check on your recovery. They will also replace the temporary crown you received during your initial appointment with a more permanent restoration. After your new crown is in place, you can start to resume your normal diet. Your tooth should once again be a fully functional part of your smile!
What if Something Goes Wrong?
In the vast majority of cases, root canal therapy is successful. In rare instances, however, there can be post-op complications. If you experience severe pain, sensitivity, swelling, or signs of infection, get in touch with your dentist right away. You might need a procedure known as endodontic retreatment, which is essentially a second root canal. It is important that you always monitor your oral health because root canal therapy can fail years after the initial procedure.
Root canal therapy could relieve your pain, preserve your tooth, and renew your oral function! Talk to your dentist if you have questions about what to expect during and after this restorative procedure.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Keyvan Kar is proud to provide a broad range of services for the Allen community, including root canal therapy and top-quality restorations, such as lifelike crowns. If you have questions about how he and our team may be able to support your oral health and overall wellness, contact Advanced Dental Care of Allen at 214-260-9911.