Root canal is a complicated and invasive process that is recommended by dentists to save the tooth from extraction. Although the procedure is quite efficient, it is not painless. Some pain after the root canal is expected. You might experience aches and discomfort for several days. Read how to manage the pain at lyndarumdentist.com.au/root-canal-treatment-epping, and learn the most efficient methods in root canal treatment and aftercare.
Root Canal: How It’s Done
The process of root canal treatment involves the removal of the tooth pulp. The idea is to eliminate the nerves that are infected, that causes tooth decay and infection. Anesthetics are needed in the process to make it painless. However, because of the invasive procedure of the killing of the nerves and tissue removal, pain is inevitable after the entire method. Depending on the severity of the case, the effectivity of the root canal treatment may take up to several sessions. In case your dentist requires additional steps, a temporary filling will be applied on your tooth to protect it against bacteria from food and beverages.
Initial Period or Recovery After Root Canal Treatment
After the procedure, the anesthesia naturally wears off. This is where you will experience the pain and discomfort. The pain after root canal will gradually decrease after a few days, but if you can’t tolerate the sensation, you can take over-the-counter medicines to help alleviate the pain. However, there are risks in administering these drugs on your own, so we highly recommend consulting your dentist. The side effects may react adversely to other medications or food supplements that you’re already taking before the root canal treatment. So, to be on the safe side, you should always consult your dentist.
Tip: Seek help if regular painkillers are not reducing the painful sensation.
Root Canal Treatment Aftercare
The typical treatment involves painkillers, antibiotics, and of course, proper oral care hygiene. After the antibiotics have worked its way in healing the tooth, you must stick to the right way of keeping your toot and gums healthy. Always remember that your pain may still get infected even after the root canal treatment. So, here are the best ways to keep your oral hygiene:
- Proper Brushing Method: Brush twice a day lightly using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss lightly, especially in the tooth that had root canal treatment.
- Rinse your mouth with an anti-bacterial mouthwash.
- Always check the stability of the temporary filling.
- Scrape your tongue with a dental scraper.
- Visit your dentist for follow-up checkups.
Tip: You can also disinfect your toothbrush before using it. You can pour hot water on it to kill the bacteria, virus, or germs that might be present. You can also rinse your mouth with warm water and salt if mouthwash is not available. Also, reduce the amount of food consumption with high sugar levels and acidity. It may develop into oral problems if taken excessively. Avoid eating hard food or candies. The temporary filling might break, or your tooth might get chipped. You can also limit your alcohol intake and quit smoking. These bad habits are one of the primary causes of tooth and gum problems.
A Word of Caution
The principal dentist at Gordon Family Dental says that the root canal treatment has a high-efficiency rate. However, some complications are still possible to occur. Here are the possible complications of root canal treatment fail:
- Medical Instrument Damage: the instruments used in the procedure may cause damage to your gums and teeth. So, you must make sure that your dentist is one of the best practitioners in the field to avoid mishaps. The dental instruments must also be sanitised and disinfected.
- Incomplete Pulp Removal: In some cases, although rare, dentists may fail to remove the pulp entirely. This incident may cause adverse oral health complications, mainly when the temporary filling has already been applied. So, we recommend observing the tooth at home so you can tell your dentist about any unusual development.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: This possibility is entirely up to the patient. The primary oral care procedure should still be observed diligently even after the root canal treatment. The more you neglect your dental hygiene obligations, the higher the risks of developing oral problems.
Tip: Brushing and cleaning your teeth should be done religiously. It should not be triggered on a whim, or just by the heck of it alone. You should be dedicated to keeping your teeth and gums healthy at all costs. Prevention can save you time, money, and effort all the time.
Final Word
Pain after the root canal is normal. It goes away gradually after a few days. With the help of good oral hygiene and regular visits to your doctor, you can avoid further complications and keep oral health optimised. It is without question that your dentist is always the best individual to talk to if you encounter any dental problems. We highly suggest that you make your visits routine to avoid and prevent tooth decay and gum infection. So, keep the quality of your smile and always take care of your overall health.