3 Things You Can Expect After a Root Canal
Despite the horror stories you’ve maybe heard or what you’ve seen on television, root canal therapy isn’t a painful or scary procedure at all! In fact, a root canal is often the best way to salvage a compromised tooth and provide you with the relief you need. That said, many patients don’t know what to expect following root canal therapy. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about three things you should expect after receiving a root canal.
1. Initial Soreness & Sensitivity
During root canal therapy your dentist will numb your mouth, so you don’t feel a thing! But after your dentist completes your root canal, you should expect some sensitivity and soreness—however this is perfectly normal and nothing that warrants panicking. Root canal therapy is technically a minor surgery, so your mouth will need time to heal. As your body undergoes the natural healing process, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions concerning your recovery to ward off any lingering pain. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage your pain and swelling, and you should also stick to soft foods that don’t agitate your mouth.
2. Intermediary Recovery
After your root canal, your tooth will either be sealed with a permanent or temporary filling. If a temporary filling is used, you should avoid chewing on the tooth until it’s restored by your dentist. In the meantime, you can expect a thin layer of the filling to wear off and for the tooth to feel a little fragile and sensitive. After a few days the initial swelling should die down, but if it doesn’t, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist with haste.
3. Permanent Restoration
Root canals are performed with your tooth’s long-term health in mind, and to ensure that it has the best possible odds moving forward, your tooth needs to be fitted with a permanent restoration. Because a tooth that needs a root canal often has a filling or significant decay, a crown or some other type of restoration is used to make the tooth look and function normally again. Moving forward, it’s crucial to practice good oral hygiene habits so the restoration remains intact!
Remember, root canals are good news! The procedure is giving your tooth a fighting chance at remaining a functional part of your smile. Knowing what to expect after the procedure can help to ensure that your recovery is as smooth and pain-free as possible.
About the Practice
Roman Dental proudly serves patients and families in the Houston area under the leadership of Dr. Roman Kotlarek. Dr. Kotlarek received his DDS from the University of Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio and has taken countless hours of continuing education in a wide range of fields. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. If you have any questions or concerns about root canals or would like to schedule an appointment, you can contact Dr. Kotlarek through his practice’s website or over the phone: (281) 920-4200.
