Root Canal Therapy Recovery
If you have a tooth that’s become infected, root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) should be performed as soon as possible. During a root canal, the infected dental pulp within a tooth is removed. The pulp chamber is sterilized to prevent the spread of infection or later re-infection. The pulp chamber is then filled with an inert material. A temporary crown is set in place, to be replaced with a permanent restoration at a later visit.
The tooth is protected from further harm and damage, but there is a recovery process to keep in mind in the first week or so after the treatment is completed. Marietta, GA dentists Dr. Kirk Kimmerling and Dr. Garrick McGrath would like to consider this healing process below. We can go into it in more detail during a consultation at Verde Pointe Dental Associates.
Will I Need to Take Time Off from Work?
Usually the answer is no. Most patients who undergo a root canal will be able to return to normal activities the next day. While you will experience some side effects, they should not be too serious to keep you out of work.
Keep in mind that job duties can differ, so a little bit of time off from work may be recommended depending on the nature of your occupation.
Use Pain Killers to Manage Discomfort
Soreness and discomfort around the treated tooth is common after undergoing a root canal. While this pain may be quite noticeable, it’s worth noting that the pain is not as bad as the consequences of not getting your tooth treated.
Root canal patients will usually be given prescription pain killers and/or anti-inflammatory drugs to help manage their post-treatment pain. Take these pain relievers as directed. You can transition to over-the-counter pain relievers as the discomfort subsides.
Diet Considerations as You Recover
After undergoing root canal therapy, you will want to avoid putting pressure on the tooth that was worked on. You will also want to avoid causing tooth sensitivity, which can be triggered by hot and cold temperatures. With that in mind, consider the following tips:
- Avoid food and beverages coming into contact with the treated tooth if possible
- Avoid foods and beverages that are hot or cold in temperature
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth if possible
Steady Improvement of Side Effects
As the days go by, you should notice improvements in side effects. Pain should steadily go down, as should issues with tooth sensitivity. If you notice that side effects become worse, be sure to contact your dentist right away. This could be a sign of a complication, and it is best to have any post-treatment issues addressed as soon as possible.
Attend Follow-up Visits with Your Dentist
You will have a few follow-up visits with your dentist to note the progress of recovery and to ensure that the final restoration is placed. Attend these additional visits as scheduled to ensure proper recovery and a successful outcome to the root canal treatment.
Contact Dr. Kimmerling and Dr. McGrath
To learn more about root canal therapy and whether or not it’s an ideal option for you, be sure to contact our experienced cosmetic and restorative dentists. We at Verde Pointe Dental Associates are here to help. You can reach us by phone at (770) 651-0991.