Though root canal therapy has unjustly been given a bad reputation of being extremely painful, you should still expect to experience some discomfort after treatment while your body heals. Even so, how can you tell the difference between a normal level of discomfort and something that warrants a visit to the emergency dentist? Read on to learn more about what you can expect after getting a root canal in Dallas.
How Does Root Canal Therapy Work?
Before you undergo root canal therapy, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic. This will ensure that you feel comfortable throughout treatment. Once the area has been numbed, they will make a small hole in the enamel of the damaged tooth so they can remove all the infected pulp. Next, they’ll thoroughly clean and sanitize the tooth to make sure it’s completely free of bacteria. Then, the tooth will be filled with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. Lastly, the opening will be sealed off with a crown or filling.
What Does Root Canal Therapy Recovery Look Like?
After you undergo a root canal, recovery can generally be broken down into three stages:
- Initial sensitivity – After you undergo root canal therapy, you should expect to experience some soreness and sensitivity while your mouth heals. Closely follow your dentist’s instructions to help manage the discomfort. Pain medicine, like ibuprofen, can also help reduce discomfort and swelling. Eat soft foods to avoid biting down too hard or irritating the tooth.
- Intermediate recovery – If your dentist used a temporary filling to seal off the tooth, avoid chewing on that side of the mouth until your dentist has placed a permanent one. While the swelling should go down after a few days, contact your dentist to make sure there aren’t any issues if it continues past that point.
- Permanent restoration – Soon after you get a root canal, your dentist will have you come back in so they can place a permanent restoration. This will help the tooth regain its full strength and function so the tooth can stay healthy for years to come.
How Much Pain Is Too Much?
As your mouth heals, you may experience some discomfort. But how can you know if you’re experiencing more pain than what’s to be expected? If the pain or discomfort is so severe that you are struggling to function properly in your everyday life, contact your dentist as soon as possible. You should also reach out to your dentist if you are experiencing severe swelling, fever, an uneven bite, or just feel unwell overall.
Though it’s uncommon for complications to develop after root canal therapy, it isn’t completely unheard of. Make sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible if any serious issues arise to assure that your tooth heals properly and you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile!
About the Author
If you have a damaged tooth in need of a root canal, Dr. Bobby Shirley, Dr. Clay Cannon, Dr. Jack Bickford, and their friendly Dallas team at Distinctive Dentistry can help. They offer several cosmetic, restorative, and preventive oral health services and can help heal your damaged tooth and relieve pain. If you experience any abnormal discomfort after surgery, they can get to the root of the issue so you can enjoy your smile to the fullest. Call Distinctive Dentistry at (770) 445-6606 or visit their website for more information on root canals or to schedule an appointment.
