What To Expect After Having A Root Canal

Have you ever experienced a night of dental pain? Long-lasting toothaches, severe tooth decay, and even sensitive teeth are frequent oral health problems that people experience and may be quite uncomfortable.

Endodontists frequently employ root canals, commonly known as endodontic treatment, to treat such diseases. If this is the first time you have experienced this process, you wonder what it entails.

So to help you better, we’ve walked you through the different aspects of this dental treatment in the following blog sections. So let’s check it out! 

When Is A Root Canal Needed?

A root canal is required when the pulp—soft tissue containing blood vessels and nerves inside the tooth—becomes infected or injured. The pulp may become infected or harmed when a tooth is broken, decayed, or injured.

Removing diseased or damaged pulp from the root cavity is the main step in a nearly painless procedure known as a root canal. A typical polymer substance used in root canal therapy, gutta-percha, is then utilized to fill the cavity once it has been cleaned and sanitized.

If the pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Pain when biting or chewing

• Sensitivity to hot and cold

• Swelling in the gums

• A pimple on the gums

If these symptoms are left untreated, they can lead to an abscess (a pus-filled infection at the tooth's root). A spot can cause serious health problems and may require more extensive treatment.

When Is The Root Canal Treatment Recommended?

A root canal is recommended to treat damaged or infected teeth and to prevent the need for an extraction. If a root canal is not performed, the infected or damaged tooth may need to be extracted. You can check out Navarro dentistry for the above symptoms. 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you must see a dentist or endodontist (a dental specialist who treats the inside of the teeth) as soon as possible. They can diagnose the cause of the symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Process Of Root Canal

Before the root canal, the endodontist will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. This will help to minimize any pain or discomfort during the procedure. The endodontist will then make a small hole in the top of the tooth to access inside of the canals (the root canal).

Next, the endodontist will use special tools to remove the infected or damaged tissue inside the root canal. They will then clean and shape the inside of the root canal to prepare it for filling. The root canal is then filled with a particular material and sealed with a temporary filling.

After the root canal, the patient may feel some discomfort and sensitivity. The endodontist will prescribe pain medication to help manage any pain. The patient should take the pain medication as directed. They should also follow any other post-operative instructions from the endodontist.

Feeling sensitive to hot and cold after a root canal is normal. This should improve within a few weeks. However, if the sensitivity persists or the patient experiences severe pain, they should contact the endodontist.

The endodontist will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on the progress of the root canal and to place a permanent filling or crown (cap) on the tooth. The permanent filling or crown will help to protect the tooth and restore it to its full function.

After the root canal is completed, the patient should practice good oral hygiene to help prevent infection. This includes brushing and flossing as usual and avoiding the tooth you can treat. If the tooth feels uncomfortable when biting, the patient can use a soft diet and over-the-counter pain medication.

Attending all follow-up appointments with the endodontist is essential to ensure that the root canal is healing correctly. If the patient experiences problems or concerns, they should contact the endodontist.

Aftercare Of Root Canal

After a root canal, taking care of the treated tooth to help ensure proper healing and prevent infection. The endodontist will provide specific instructions on how to care for the tooth, but in general, You should follow the following guidelines:

Take any pain medication as directed: 

The endodontist will prescribe pain medication to help manage pain or discomfort after the root canal. It is essential to take the medication as directed.

Practice good oral hygiene: 

Brushing and flossing, as usual, are essential to help prevent infection. Avoid the treated tooth for the first few days and resume gently brushing and flossing.

Avoid biting or chewing on the treated tooth: 

The treated tooth may be sore and sensitive. Therefore, avoiding biting or chewing on the tooth is essential until the endodontist has placed a permanent filling or crown (cap).

Avoid hard or sticky foods: 

Hard or sticky foods can damage the temporary filling or crown and delay healing. Therefore, sticking to a soft diet is best until the endodontist has placed the permanent filling or crown.

Attend follow-up appointments: 

Attending all follow-up appointments with the endodontist is essential to ensure that the root canal is healing correctly.

Contact the endodontist if you have any problems or concerns: If you experience severe pain, swelling, or other issues after the root canal, it is essential to contact the endodontist as soon as possible.

Following these aftercare guidelines can help ensure proper healing and prevent infection after a root canal. If you have any questions or concerns about your aftercare, discuss them with your endodontist.

Now You Know!

A root canal is a standard and successful dental procedure used to treat an infected or damaged tooth. While the patient may experience discomfort and sensitivity after the process, this should improve with time and proper care. If you have questions or concerns about a root canal, discuss them with your endodontist. All the best!