If your dentist has recently informed you that you’re going to need to undergo root canal therapy to address a problematic tooth inside your mouth, you might have a lot on your mind. But root canal therapy is a very common procedure and absolutely nothing to fret over—roughly 15 million root canals are performed every year in the US, and for most patients, it’s a brief and uncomplicated recovery stint! Here’s more from your trusted dentist about root canal therapy and a few things you can expect following the treatment.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
To put it simply, the purpose of a root canal is to salvage a severely damaged or decayed tooth and restore it so that it’s capable of healthily remaining inside of the mouth. Basically, your dentist will remove the problematic tissue from the affected tooth before thoroughly sanitizing it and sealing it back up with a dental crown. Though this whole process might sound a little intense, it’s greatly preferable to tooth extraction—and despite what you’ve maybe heard, it’s generally a relatively quick and stress-free process.
What to Expect Following Root Canal Therapy
If you’re scheduled for a root canal, don’t panic! Here are the two key things you can expect following treatment:
Initial Soreness & Sensitivity
Since the first thing your dentist will do going into root canal therapy is numb the affected area of your mouth, you don’t have to worry about feeling any outright pain during the procedure. However, it’s common for patients to experience some minor soreness and/or sensitivity following a root canal as their mouth heals, but it shouldn’t be debilitating pain by any means. In any case, taking your prescribed and over-the-counter pain relievers as needed can effectively manage this soreness, and it’s wise to stick to a strictly soft-food-only diet. In most cases, this pain will resolve itself within a few days—and usually on the day of treatment, the discomfort is tolerable enough to resume your usual routine.
Permanent Restoration
The most appealing aspect of root canal therapy is arguably the fact that patients get to retain their natural tooth, rather than needing to have it extracted and replaced. This is thanks to the permanent restoration that’s placed on the treated tooth following the treatment. A dental crown is often the go-to solution for this, as it restores the tooth’s natural appearance and functionality. Moving forward, it’s crucial to take proper care of this crown in addition to the rest of your pearly whites by practicing excellent at-home oral hygiene—it can degrade if you neglect to take care of it!
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as fever, malaise, increasing pain or swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, an uneven bite, or anything else concerning, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact your dentist at once. Even after the root canal has healed, these symptoms can still begin to show, so don’t leave anything up to chance and ensure that no complications have arisen!
About the Author
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Lucia Troisi, the team at Troisi Dentistry has proudly served patients and families in the Chesapeake, VA area for several years. Dr. Troisi received her DDS from NOVA Southeastern University and has spent countless years continuing and advancing her training so that she’s able to provide the highest level of dental care possible! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange an appointment for you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (757) 548-1611.