If you plan to get a root canal, you may worry it’ll have a rough aftermath. That’s a common concern – many believe the treatment is harrowing and hard to bear. However, this procedure isn’t painful or scary; recovering from it is pretty simple for most patients. Your Lorain endodontist can even ease your worries by outlining the post-treatment process. With that said, read on to learn just what to expect after a root canal!
What Should You Expect After Your Root Canal?
In the first few days after your root canal, you should expect the following:
Brief Numbness
You can’t just use your mouth as usual when your root canal is over. Right after treatment, your mouth will likely feel numb for a while.
Don’t forget: the dentist will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic for treatment. By applying such medicine before your procedure, they ensure your root canal goes smoothly. The downside is that this numbing effect can linger a few hours after your dental visit. Still, you should be well enough to drive and return to work or school.
A Slight Sensitivity
When the anesthetic wears off, your treated tooth won’t be “ache-free.” It’ll develop a slight sensitivity that you should closely monitor.
Of course, this minor soreness isn’t a major cause for concern. It’s a normal post-treatment symptom and should fade in the coming days. Plus, you can manage it with over-the-counter painkillers, a soft food diet, and similar methods.
A Follow-Up Visit
Even after your root canal, you won’t be entirely through with dental work. You’ll attend a follow-up visit with your treating dentist later.
Assuming treatment went well, this visit will likely place a dental crown. The filling used in a root canal is usually temporary, so you’ll need this “cap” to protect your still-healing tooth. Failing to get one could cause a reinfection, forcing you to undergo a “re-treatment.”
How Can You Tell if Something is Wrong?
If you experience severe pain after your root canal, something is likely wrong. You’d do well to contact your dentist for an immediate follow-up appointment.
You see, root canals can have occasional post-treatment complications. These range from infections and lingering pulp to cracks or chips in the treated tooth. Left unchecked, such things could greatly harm your oral health and ruin your smile. You should have such matters fixed if your tooth suffers intense or persistent pain.
Knowing what to expect after a root canal should make treatment less scary. So, remember the points above as you save your tooth!
About the Practice
Parkway Endodontics is based in both Lorain, OH, and Middleburg Heights, OH. Led by Drs. Vaziri and James, our practice prides itself on offering top-tier restorative dentistry. We’ve been providing quality root canal treatments (and re-treatments) for over twenty years! Thanks to those efforts, our team has advanced skills and expertise in saving smiles. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (440)-960-2660 or (440)-243-7221.
