As you prepare for your upcoming root canal, you may have many questions about the procedure, what to do beforehand, and what you can expect after your tooth has been treated. The recovery phase of treatment is important if proper healing is to occur, so hear from your local dentist who will explain what steps you can take to make sure that your newly treated tooth remains in the best possible shape.
What is Considered “Normal” on the Day of the Procedure?
After your dentist has finished treating your affected tooth, you may notice that your mouth still feels numb. This is completely normal and will dissipate over time. However, until it does, you are advised against eating anything, as you could accidentally (and unknowingly) bite down on your lip or tongue.
Once the anesthesia wears off, you may notice some minor discomfort; however, an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen, can help minimize this problem.
What Are the Do’s and Don’ts After a Root Canal?
Following the guidelines your dentist provides is essential. You want your tooth to heal properly, so making sure that you follow these do’s and don’ts will give you the best chance of success:
What to Do
- Once the anesthesia wears off, you can resume eating and drinking, but stick to a soft food diet for a few days to avoid placing additional pressure on your treated tooth.
- Make sure to maintain regular brushing and flossing to reduce the chance of cavities; however, be careful around your vulnerable tooth.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as instructed if you notice any slight discomfort in the days following your root canal.
- Keep any follow-up appointments you might have with your dentist to replace the temporary filling placed after the root canal.
What Not to Do
- Do not eat anything hard, crunchy, or sticky in the days following your procedure, as you could damage your treated tooth. The root canal will have a temporary filling that will leave your tooth in a weakened state until it is replaced with a permanent filling or porcelain crown.
- Try to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the root canal occurred.
What Kind of Expectations Should I Have for the Future?
You will learn during your initial appointment with your dentist that root canals have a high success rate of around 95%. This is great news, especially if you are unsure whether you should move forward with treatment or not.
Knowing that your treated tooth will be positioned to function normally and remain firmly in place can be encouraging as you pursue better oral health throughout your life.
One aspect of future care is to remember that the dental crown placed over your tooth after treatment may require replacement over time. Otherwise, you should feel confident performing all the same daily tasks (i.e., eating, chewing, etc.) as before.
Root canal recovery is an important step in the overall success of your treatment, so make sure to follow the instructions you receive and watch as your smile grows healthier and stronger day by day.
About the McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice
Our team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice understands that tooth infections can occur. When they do, root canal treatment may be required. Our team of dentists is skilled and equipped to provide safe and effective treatment in-house so that you remain comfortable before, during, and after your procedure. Call our office or visit our website to learn what to expect after a root canal.