While hearing the phrase 'root canal' might illicit an uncomfortable feeling in many people, the fact is that endodontic procedures, like those preformed at Washington Township Dental Associates, save countless numbers of teeth a year. Quite contrary to its reputation of being extremely painful, a root canal is often no more painful than getting a standard filling. That being said, there will be a recovery period in which your mouth might be a bit tender. However, below are a few helpful tips to help you get on the road to recovery after a root canal surgery.
Pain Management
Indeed, often the most common knowledge about root canals are quite painful. In fact, the procedure itself is usually rather painless due to the anesthesia administered beforehand. You might find your mouth is sore in the days following, as your mouth goes through the natural healing process. However, the pain is usually rather easily mitigated with simple over-the-counter pain medications.
The pain should naturally subside within a few days. If it persists, is severely painful, or if there is any form of swelling, you should consult your dentist because these are signs of complications
Taking Care Of Your Tooth Post-Procedure
Directly after the procedure is performed, it is generally recommended that you abstain from eating while your mouth is numb. This is general advice, more meant to keep you from accidentally biting into your tongue or cheek on accident, the lack of sensation can cause you to bite too hard and damage the sensitive tooth.
Other precautions should be taken in your diet during the healing process as well, once the numbness has worn off. It is recommended you stick to soft foods, as the treated tooth will be left brittle and vulnerable, which can lead to a fractured tooth if you aren't careful.
Check-In With Your Dentist
Keeping your dentist in the loop with your recovery is an important factor on restoring the function to your tooth. While a secondary visit will be required to have the hollow inside your tooth filled, your tooth might require further restorative action depending on the progress of its healing process. You dentist can advise you whether or not a crown should be placed on the tooth to further protect it or if any other procedure will be required. Regardless, simply checking in can be reassuring even if the dentist tells you everything is fine.
Hopefully, with these few simple tips you can get on your way to having your mouth in working order again. This will help get your life back on its way to the normality of a life free of toothache.
Share17 December 2014
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