Root Canal Therapy Recovery
When decay or damage affects the pulp of a tooth, it leads to a bacterial infection that can only be treated through root canal therapy. During root canal therapy, the infected tissues inside the tooth are removed. Next, the surfaces are disinfected, the canals and pulp chamber are filled, and a temporary crown is placed. This treatment eliminates the source of infection and protects your long-term oral health.
Here, our team at Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney in Charlotte, NC discusses root canal therapy recovery and explains how patients can promote healing and alleviate discomfort following the procedure.
Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?
There is an unfortunate stigma about root canal therapy, with many patients under the impression that the procedure is painful. On the contrary, the treatment eliminates the source of discomfort.
Therefore, most patients experience little to no pain following the procedure. In fact, because many patients have pain associated with the infection, there is usually quite a bit of relief after the treatment. Fortunately, any tenderness or sensitivity is typically short-lived, and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Tips for a Speedy Recovery
When you undergo root canal therapy at our practice, you will be provided with a detailed list of post-operative instructions. Closely following these guidelines will ensure a successful and swift recovery. In the meantime, we will explore a few basic tips and tricks for accelerating the healing process.
Take a Day or Two off of Work
Following root canal therapy, it is a good idea to take one or two days off work. In fact, we recommend limiting activity for the first couple of days. An elevated heart rate can result in increased discomfort. Therefore, patients should go home and relax as much as possible. Of course, specific recommendations will depend on the extent of your treatment. These details can be discussed with your doctor during your initial consultation.
Alter Your Eating Habits
It is perfectly normal to experience temperature sensitivity following root canal therapy. Although this is a common temporary byproduct of treatment, we recommend that patients avoid certain foods during the first week of recovery.
For example:
- Allow hot foods to cool before eating
- Eat softer foods that do not require a lot of chewing
- Avoid sticky foods that could pull on the temporary crown
- Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth that was treated
- Rinse gently with warm saltwater or an antibacterial rinse after every meal
Attend all Follow-Up Appointments
After root canal therapy, patients will need to attend routine follow-up visits to make sure treatment was effective. The temporary crown will also be replaced with a final restoration during one of these appointments.
During recovery, be sure to monitor your symptoms. If your side effects worsen, contact our practice so we can address the concern immediately.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you are about to undergo a root canal, or if you have just had the procedure completed, knowing what to expect in the recovery phase can help alleviate fears and worries. Our team can help you prepare for all aspects of your treatment so you know exactly what to anticipate.
For more information on root canal therapy, or any of the other restorative or cosmetic procedures offered at our practice, contact us online or give us a call at (704) 543-1102.