Root canal treatments help dentists save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. When the alternative is losing a tooth and needing to replace it, root canal therapy is truly a lifeline for both your smile and your oral health. However, like with any significant restorative treatment, it’s important that you take it easy for the following week or so after your procedure. If you plan on getting a root canal in Buckhead, here’s what you need to know regarding your healing timeline.
Discomfort Following Treatment
If you feel mild to moderate soreness in your tooth, keep in mind that this is a normal part of the recovery process. It doesn’t matter what kind of oral surgery you’re completing; nearly all treatments affect the nerve endings in some way or another. In most cases, the soreness can last for a few days, but this can vary depending on the complexity of your root canal.
It’s also worth noting that prior to the procedure, endodontists thoroughly numb the tooth and surrounding tissues with local anesthetic. This removes nearly all sensation from your mouth, making the treatment far more comfortable. As the local anesthetic wears off, you’ll start to feel mild discomfort or sensitivity.
Practices to Keep in Mind During Aftercare
As you recover, it’s important that you give yourself plenty of time to rest and avoid any strenuous activity, such as exercising or heavy lifting. A good way to mitigate your symptoms is by taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Just make sure to confirm with your endodontist that these painkillers won’t interfere with any medications or supplements you’re currently taking. If you are prescribed pain medicine from the endodontist, make sure you read the instructions on the label.
Furthermore, you’ll want to make sure that you avoid chewing hard or crunchy foods following your root canal. Like any oral surgery, giving your mouth time to rest is just as important as resting overall, which means you should stick to a soft diet over the first few days. This includes foods like mashed potatoes, eggs, pasta, yogurt, and other itmes that do not require much chewing.
When to Seek Help
Discomfort caused by root canal therapy should disappear on its own as the tooth heals. However, if your discomfort does not go away after a few days, you should schedule an appointment with your endodontist right away. During your visit, they can remove any leftover decayed tissue that did not get properly removed the first time around.
Don’t let an oral infection destroy your tooth! With the help of an endodontist in Buckhead, you can save your natural smile and complete your aftercare successfully. Schedule an appointment today to learn more helpful tips on making your recovery as comfortable as possible. If you have more questions about root canal therapy, the best thing you can do is talk to your local endodontist. They’ll be sure to put all your concerns at ease.
About the Practice
Endodontics of Buckhead (EOB) provides a wide variety of services, including root canal therapy, dental implant placement, and treatments for traumatic dental injuries. Dr. Barr will work hard to meet your needs and educate you however they can, including on the steps you should take to complete aftercare. To learn more about their practice or ask any question you have about root canal therapy, you can contact him through their website.