Root canals have a fierce reputation, but it is quite unwarranted. While you have probably seen this procedure portrayed as a miserable ordeal in movies and on television, these depictions are not true to life. The truth is that root canals are completely painless, but you may experience mild soreness for a few days after the procedure. Here’s a brief guide to what you can expect while recovering after receiving a root canal and how to tell if you should call your dentist for help.
How Are Root Canals Performed?
Root canals are used to eliminate severe dental infections and prevent future oral health issues, and they can allow compromised teeth to last much longer than they would otherwise. Your dentist will begin the process by administering a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort before opening the tooth and removing the infected tissue inside. They will then sanitize, fill, and seal the tooth’s inner chamber, and you will probably receive a dental crown afterward to restore your lost dental structure.
Will I Feel Pain After My Root Canal?
After the anesthetic wears off, you may notice some mild soreness in the treatment area. This should go away on its own after several days, but you can prevent irritation of the sensitive tooth by avoiding hot, cold, spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods and refraining from chewing around the treated area. It’s also best to be gentle with the tooth when flossing and brushing. Using prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as instructed or applying a cold compress can also help you manage this discomfort.
When Should I Contact My Dentist for Help?
If your tooth is healing normally after a root canal, you should experience only mild discomfort that gradually fades away on its own. However, pain that persists or gets worse may be a sign of continuing dental infection. Contact your dentist for help if you experience the following symptoms:
- Worsening or lasting pain in the treated tooth.
- A nasty, bitter, or sour taste in your mouth.
- Symptoms of infection such as fatigue, fever, or chills.
In any case, the soreness you may experience after receiving a root canal will be far preferable to and much more brief than the miserable suffering that comes with an untreated toothache. If your dentist recommends a root canal, you can be confident that the procedure is in your best interest.
About the Practice
Painesville Dental Group offers the finest oral health services in town. Led by Drs. Dennis Horvath, Jerry V. Patriarca, Nicholas Slezak, and Stephanie Pichler, the staff takes pride in providing effective care and compassionate service in a warm and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as root canal services. To learn more about keeping your post-root canal recovery pain- and complication-free, contact the office online or dial (440) 354-2183.