There is a misconception out there that root canal treatment is painful and something to be feared. The good news is that this isn’t true at all. Thanks to modern techniques and anesthetics, you shouldn’t feel any pain during your procedure. However, it will take a few days for you to completely recover from the treatment. Read on to learn about what you can expect after your root canal treatment.
What Does Root Canal Therapy Look Like?
During root canal treatment, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to make sure that you are comfortable during your treatment. Once the area is completely numb, a small hole will be made in the enamel so all infected and damaged tissue can be removed from inside the tooth. Afterward, the tooth will be cleaned out and sanitized so it’s completely free of bacteria. Lastly, the tooth is filled with biocompatible material.
What to Expect During Your Recovery
Initial Sensitivity
After your root canal treatment, you can expect some sensitivity and soreness. Since this is a minor surgery, your mouth needs some time to heal. To manage discomfort, closely follow your dentist’s instructions. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, can also help to reduce pain and swelling. Try to stick to softer food to avoid biting down too hard at this time.
Intermediary Recovery
Following your procedure, your tooth needs to be sealed with a permanent or temporary filling. If a temporary filling is placed, you should avoid chewing on that tooth until it has been restored by your dentist. The swelling should subside in a couple of days. If it doesn’t, give your dentist a call so they can make sure there aren’t any underlying issues.
Permanent Restoration
To ensure the long-term health of your tooth, you should head back to your dentist to get your final restoration at a separate appointment. A crown or another restoration often needs to be placed to help the tooth regain its strength and function. Ultimately, by keeping up with your dental visits, you can keep it healthy for many years to come.
If you have root canal treatment coming up, you have nothing to worry about. By closely following your aftercare instructions, your smile will be good as new in no time!
About the Practice
At Beverly Farms Dental, we have a team of dentists serving patients in the Beverly community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about root canal treatment or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (978) 927-3515.