Recovery From Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a procedure that can help you keep a tooth that might otherwise have to be extracted. Although the procedure has a bad reputation, it is not any more uncomfortable than having a filling or a crown placed, and the recovery is usually straightforward.

Taking Care of Yourself After a Root Canal

Recovery after root canal therapy is similar to that after any other dental work. You might experience some swelling and discomfort. Since a root canal is usually performed on a tooth already affected by infection or damage, these symptoms might linger after the procedure. Your endodontist might prescribe antibiotics or pain medications, or you might only need over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen.[pullquote]Recovery after root canal therapy is similar to that after any other dental work.[/pullquote]

After a root canal treatment, your tooth will be fitted with a dental crown. If the crown is not placed immediately, you will have to be careful about chewing on the treated tooth. A temporary crown can help protect it, but if you eat sticky or chewy foods, the temporary crown can become dislodged. You should also be sure to brush and floss and return to your dentist or endodontist for followup or routine checkups.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

This procedure is generally reserved for a tooth that can be saved in no other way. The main reasons for a root canal procedure include:

• Severe tooth damage
• Severe tooth decay
• Infection inside the tooth

A tooth that has suffered this kind of damage or infection could be removed, but if a root canal is performed, the tooth can remain functional so you won’t have to worry about replacing it.

The procedure, which is performed by an endodontist, removes the pulp and nerve tissue that lie inside the tooth. For this reason, the tooth will lack sensation after it is treated, but it can still function for biting and chewing. Any sensitivity or other discomfort you’ve experienced before the treatment should disappear after the treatment, since the cause—the infection or damage to the tooth—has been removed.

Call our team at Bliss Dental at 972-307-7777 and set up an appointment today.