Important Aftercare Recovery Tips for Root Canal Treatment
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a common procedure done to save the teeth from extraction. However, the mere mention of the procedure is enough to send chills down the spine, and most people are reserved about getting the endodontic procedure.
This is because of the assumption that it is painful and comes with complications. But is the root canal procedure painful? Not quite. Because of anesthesia and dental sedation, most people can go through the procedure with ease.
Although you may experience discomfort after the root canal procedure, the pain only lasts for a couple of hours. But, this depends on your aftercare practices. That is why it is crucial to follow the aftercare instruction given by the dentist.
Root Canal Therapy Procedure
- The pulp cavity can get infected due to poor hygiene or repeated dental procedures that leave the teeth vulnerable.
- The infection will cause lingering tooth sensitivity, pain, darkening of the gums, and loose teeth.
- Without treatment, the bacterial infection can spread to the rest of the teeth and decay. Our dentist near Carrollwood will perform an endodontic procedure to remove the infected tissues, stop the spread, and prevent tooth extraction.
- The dentist will anesthetize the gums and use dental sedation to relax your nerves. He will drill the crown to access the pulp chamber and remove the tissues.
- Our dentist will clean the pulp area and use a gutta-percha to seal the teeth. A dental filling is temporarily used to cover the teeth as the permanent dental crown is made.
What Can You Expect After the Endodontic Treatment?
As the anesthesia begins to wear out, you will feel slight discomfort and pain in the gums. You may also experience swelling, soreness, and bleeding in the first 24 hours after the root canal procedure. Our dentist in Tampa, FL, will prescribe medication to ease the pain and prevent infection.
How Can You Manage the Pain and Speed Up the Recovery?
Root canal recovery is straightforward and can take several days. However, the timeline of the recovery will depend on how you care for your teeth and gums, and here are five tips to help you:
1. Reduce the Swelling with an Ice Pack
Cold compression can help reduce swelling by stopping fluid accumulation. Apply an ice pack or cold towel on the cheek of the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes every couple of hours. Avoid applying the ice pack on direct skin because it can cause skin irritation.
2. Manage the Pain
You can ease the pain and pressure on the gums using pain medications. Also, avoid putting pressure on the gums by not eating hard foods that may irritate the gums.
3. Avoid Strenuous Activities
Engaging in strenuous activities after the root canal procedure may cause gum bleeding and heal down. Resting is crucial after the root canal procedure, so it is crucial to avoid strenuous activities to enable the gums to heal.
4. Choose Soft Foods
Eat soft and less chewy foods for the first 24 to 48 hours to avoid pressure gums. Also, keep away from spicy and hot foods that can irritate the gums and slow down the healing process.
5. Practice Proper Hygiene
Poor dental hygiene affects the gingivae and increases the chances of reinfection. It is advisable to maintain proper hygiene by brushing and flossing. However, ensure you brush gently with a soft toothbrush, avoiding the affected area.
Can Complications Occur After the Root Canal Procedure?
Root canal procedure is a safe procedure with few risks. However, complications can still occur after the procedure because of multiple canals in the teeth. If you have multiple teeth canals, they may go undetected during the procedure, increasing the risk of reinfection. Loose fillings or crowns can also cause the root canal infection to fail. Our dentist in Tampa, FL, may perform endodontic retreatment to remove the infected pulp.
Schedule an Appointment
Call us or schedule an appointment with Bay Premier Dentistry for more information about root canal treatment in Tampa, FL!