Before getting a root canal, it’s easy to become overly focused on the treatment. You might be thinking about preparing for your appointment or making the procedure go more smoothly. However, remember that you’ll need to care for yourself once the treatment is over.
You should expect the following three things after a root canal with West Orange dentists. Learn them so you’ll manage your recovery well!
Some Initial Sensitivity
Once your dentist finishes your root canal, anticipate that the treated area will feel sore and sensitive. That’s perfectly normal — such symptoms are typical post-procedure, especially since you will have kept your mouth open for a while.
OTC pain relievers are the most obvious way of reducing these aches. However, it’d be best if you also practiced the guidelines below:
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Remember to brush and rinse twice daily and floss once daily. By keeping sore areas clean, you can help them heal properly.
- Use a different toothbrush: Regular toothbrushes can feel harsh on a tooth that’s undergone a root canal. Use a soft-bristled one to avoid aggravating any lingering pain.
- Wait for the anesthetic to wear off: Don’t eat anything until the treatment’s anesthetic wears off. Otherwise, you might chew on and damage your numbed inner cheeks.
An Ongoing Healing Process
Post-treatment will involve sealing the drilled tooth with a temporary or permanent filling. In the case of a temporary filling, don’t chew on the affected area until your dentist restores it. Any swelling from having the tooth filled should die down after a couple of days.
Once you’ve adjusted to the filling, your dentist will restore your tooth with a crown in a second appointment. The crown will then make the tooth functional again.
A Pain-Free Smile!
Damaged and decayed teeth can wreak serious havoc on your quality of life, making it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods pain-free or concentrate at work. Fortunately, root canal therapy can relieve this pain, restoring the look and function of your tooth simultaneously! Since this treatment has an impressive success rate (greater than 97%, according to the American Academy of Endodontists), you can have peace of mind knowing that your treated tooth will stay in pristine condition for years as well – as long as you take good care of it, that is.
Root canal treatment only succeeds when you care for your mouth afterward. So, remember the three post-treatment stages to keep the treated tooth healthy in the future!
About the Practice
D&G Dental of West Orange is based in West Orange, NJ. Led by Drs. Med Dawoud and Paula Gencarelli, the practice is known for its comprehensive dental services and all-digital dental technology. Offering preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, their team is dedicated to giving New Jersey families perfect smiles. Whether 5 or 95, all ages are welcome to receive a better smile. For more information or to book an appointment, they can be reached at their website or by phone at (973)-731-2200.