Everything you need to know about root canal recovery
If you're one of the millions of people who will have or have had a root canal this year, you may be wondering what to expect during recovery. The good news is, for most patients, recovering from a root canal is a simple process that usually doesn't take much effort on your part. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about recovering from a root canal!
What exactly happens during a root canal procedure?
First off, a quick primer on what a root canal is so you can know what areas are affected when you have a root canal procedure (or root canal therapy, as we typically call it at Granbury Endodontics).
A root canal is a common dental procedure that is used to treat infected teeth. Sometimes a tooth will get an infection in the root system, which is why the procedure is called a root canal. The goal of the treatment is to save the tooth and prevent it from needing to be extracted. In most cases, patients experience minimal discomfort after the procedure and can return to their normal activities within a few days.
That means that there's no real reason not to get a root canal if your dentist or endodontist recommends it. You'll save your tooth, it's much less painful AND the recovery is quicker (as opposed to other procedures like having your tooth pulled).
Root canal recovery usually takes only a few days.
As with any dental procedure, the recovery time after a root canal can vary depending on a number of different factors. Typically, most patients experience minimal discomfort following the treatment and are able to resume their normal activities within a few days.
After your root canal therapy, Dr. Nieves and our staff will give you all the instructions for what you need to do. This usually means avoiding certain foods for a bit and keeping the affected area of your mouth as clean as possible.
Taking proper care of the tooth is key!
The first step in recovering from a root canal is taking care of your tooth. This involves following the instructions we've given carefully concerning what foods you should and should not eat, as well as maintaining good oral hygiene habits such as brushing at least twice per day and flossing at least once per day. In addition, it's important to take any prescribed medications exactly as directed by your dentist in order to help minimize any discomfort or swelling that may occur.
During recovery, it is important to take good care of your tooth and keep it as clean and infection-free as possible. This can be done by following a few simple steps you've probably been told by your dentist before, such as thoroughly brushing your teeth at least twice per day, flossing regularly, and avoiding sugary or acidic foods. Be sure to also carefully follow any instructions we've given about pain medication to reduce discomfort.
What to do if your recovery takes longer than a week.
If there are any signs of infection or discomfort following your root canal, be sure to contact us or your dentist right away. In some cases, additional follow-up treatment may be required in order to ensure that the tooth is properly healed and to prevent any further complications. However, with proper care and medication, most patients are able to make a full recovery from a root canal and can enjoy pain-free oral health for years to come.
If you experience pain or discomfort for longer than a week, please contact our office as soon as possible so Dr. Nieves can take a look at your tooth. This is pretty rare after root canal therapy, so the sooner you come in the better! And, of course, if you ever have any questions about root canal procedures or root canal therapy, feel free to call us at (817) 776-4646. Thanks for reading!