Recovering After A Root Canal Procedure

While many people fret over the process of a root canal itself, the recovery process is just as important and deserves attention. How can you ensure that your teeth stay healthy? It all starts with the always-important root canal recovery process. Taking care of your teeth after this procedure is crucial in limiting infection and pain.

What should you know about recovering from a root canal?

Here is a detailed breakdown of what you can expect and when you should contact your general dentist for further help and treatment if discomfort does not decrease following your procedure:

What Should I Expect After a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is intensive, and many patients wonder what they can expect from the procedure before they recline in our treatment chairs. In the early days of root canal recovery, you may find that you are still a bit uncomfortable. This is a normal part of the healing process, but you should not have persistent tooth pain for longer than a few days.

Keep in mind that you should not have severe pain, especially with the pain medication prescribed to make you more comfortable.

After your root canal procedure, you might have some sensitivity and swelling in the affected tooth and gums. It is not uncommon to experience inflammation after root canals. Your bite might also be a little different in the early days following your root canal procedure.

Root canals are invasive procedures that can preserve your natural teeth, but they aren’t without side effects. Take time for root canal recovery before you return to your daily life and eating habits. Many dentists will schedule a follow-up to your root canal appointment to ensure healing.

Common Symptoms of a Failed Root Canal

Sometimes, a root canal won’t solve all of the problems you have with your tooth pain. This is often the sign of a failed root canal and will require further attention from your dentist. You may need another root canal or an extraction to treat the affected tooth further.

How do you know that you have a failed root canal or other root canal complications?

Pain is not the only thing you should consider, as you may feel discomfort following any root canal. Instead, you should look for a combination of some of the following symptoms:

Pain when biting down or with application of pressure to the tooth
Tooth discolouration
Tender gums
Abscesses filled with pus around the performed root canal
Face, neck, or root canal area swelling

Contact your dentist if you have an unpleasant experience that lingers beyond the typical root canal recovery process. You could have an infection brewing, so never take chances with your healing.

Basic Tips for Root Canal Recovery

When it comes to root canal therapy, aftercare matters to keep you comfortable and protect the tooth that just had a root canal. Taking care of your tooth after your procedure is simpler than you may think. By following some of these tips, you can be as comfortable as possible:

Don’t eat right away.
Use over-the-counter painkillers.
Rinse with warm, salted water.
Use a cold compress.
Avoid strenuous physical activities.

You should also avoid chewing in the treated area for a little while. Choose soft foods when you eat, such as applesauce, Jell-O, yogurt, and soups.

Always follow all directions given by your Dental House dentist following root canal treatment. Sometimes the Dentist will recommend a crown as a final restorative treatment after root canal therapy. It is important to follow these recommendations to avoid complications such as cracking or fracturing of the tooth. Take medication as prescribed to help manage pain and potential infection. If you have lingering pain or discomfort a few days after your procedure, contact your dentist for a follow-up appointment.

Pay Attention To How You Feel After a Root Canal Treatment

Following your root canal treatment, your treated tooth might feel tender and sore. This is normal, but you should pay careful attention to how you feel following all dental procedures. For the most part, all swelling and pain will start to subside after two to three days.

If you take inventory of your pain and it still hurts or the pain worsens, you should contact your dentist. You may need more antibiotics to prevent infection. Even if it is not an infection, excessive pain means your root canal needs additional attention.

Keep in mind that you should take the time necessary to heal, which means resting for two to three days following endodontic treatment. When pain medication does not help to relieve the pain you are feeling, you should reach out to your dentist as soon as possible.

When To Call Your Dentist

How do you know when your root canal recovery warrants calling your dentist back for a quick peek at the affected tooth and gums? You should never take chances with your oral health! If you think that a root canal needs more attention, reach out to your dentist.

Other signs that you may need to contact your dentist include:

Sharp pain that is not touched by pain medication several days after the procedure
Dental sensitivity in the affected tooth a few days after your root canal
Swelling in the gum tissue around the affected tooth
Inflammation
Fever
Rashes or hives

Some pain is common in the aftermath of a root canal, but it should be lessened by your prescriptions or over-the-counter pain meds. Pay attention to how your tooth feels, and contact your dentist if you have any of the lingering symptoms above. Never take chances with your healing!

Let Dental House Help You

If you need a root canal in Saskatoon, allow Dental House to help you keep your teeth healthy. We have the skill and expertise to help you through the healing process. Whether you need an initial appointment to discuss discomfort or a follow-up to your initial appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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