As you get ready to get a root canal, you may be anxious about the procedure itself. While you learn more about what you can expect during it, you should also familiarize yourself with what happens after. Knowing about the general recovery process can help you feel more confident and prepared as you heal. Here’s typically what happens in the days following this treatment.
Right After Your Procedure & First Day
Immediately after your root canal is done, you likely won’t feel much. You were given a powerful local anesthetic (and sedation if elected) that helped numb your mouth while your dentist worked. This takes a couple of hours to wear down, so if you need to eat, it’s imperative you’re careful when chewing and drinking hot things. It may be easy to bite down too hard or burn yourself.
When the effects dwindle, it’s expected that you’ll feel sore. Take some pain relievers to get relief from your discomfort. Afterward, just take the day easy. Give yourself time to relax and let your body focus on healing.
Over the Next Few Days
You should notice your tenderness going away over the next few days, eventually subsiding. To help make this process easier, here are simple tips to follow:
- Have a soft food diet to give your mouth a break.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
- Gently brush your teeth to remove harmful bacteria.
- Take any medication your dentist prescribed.
If you notice that your discomfort is worsening or you have signs of infection, such as fever or swelling, after three days of your procedure, then call your dentist! They will be able to double-check and make sure everything is healing as it should.
Getting a Follow-Up Visit
A tooth treated with a root canal needs a crown to fully restore its function and appearance. While you may think it’s unnecessary, this treatment helps keep the structure’s integrity while you bite and chew. Thankfully, your dentist can make it easy with a CEREC crown that can be placed on the same day, but traditional ones are just as reliable.
In the end, by properly taking care of your mouth after your procedure, you generally shouldn’t have anything to stress over. Enjoy a worry-free recovery and look forward to a comfortable smile once again; that way, you feel confident getting this service for your oral health.
About the Practice
At Dental Designs of Maryland, you benefit from a skilled team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are happy to help the Hanover community deal with their tooth infections with a root canal. By prioritizing your comfort and using state-of-the-art instruments, you enjoy an easier treatment that helps you feel better in the end. If you have any questions about this procedure, schedule an appointment or call our office at (443) 936-2899.