Root canal treatment causes mild pain for several days. However, there is nothing to worry about because the discomfort is temporary. The dentist will prescribe painkillers and ask you to take care of your dental hygiene. But if the root canal pain stays for more than three days, get in touch with the dentist immediately for a follow-up. In that case, you might need additional cleaning of root canals or other treatments. Remember, your tooth will completely get painless once the site heals properly.
Prolonged or Unbearable Pain One to Two Weeks After the Procedure is Abnormal
Sharp pain that stays for one to two weeks signifies something wrong in your mouth and requires an immediate check-up from the dentist. There might be an infection present in the tooth or your root canal has failed.
It typically occurs if the root canal was not properly cleaned, there was a hidden canal left undiscovered during the procedure, or unnoticed damage or racks on the tooth. In this case, the dentist will repeat the root canal to remove these problems. During this, the dentist might pull your tooth and replace it with an implant or other dental restorations.
Starting Recovery Phase
For the initial one to two days, patients experience a little bit of soreness or irritation on the site. Although pain-killing medicines work, check with your doctor before taking them. It will ensure that these medications do not attract the prescriptions or supplements you take already.
After several days, patients completely recover from a root canal. Immediately after the treatment, strictly say no to chewing hard food varieties because it can make the pain more intense. While recovering, do not stress your teeth by chewing gum.
The dental team will give you detailed instructions on how to recover after a root canal. Make sure you stick to every piece of advice you provide. After the recovery period is over, you can resume your regular activities without any hassle. In rare cases, patients experience complications.
Once the dentist treats the tooth completely using root canal therapy, he/she puts a crown over it. The crown can be manufactured using porcelain, or other material. The dental crown will prevent damage to the soft tooth later.
When to Seek Help?
As time passes, the root canal pain must decrease. If you notice strange swelling or other worrying symptoms that stay longer, call your doctor as soon as possible.
Tips for Oral Health
The following tips will help you maintain your dental health after the root canal:
Continue Practicing Good Dental Hygiene
After a root canal, it is crucial to stick to good oral hygiene practices. For example, using an antiseptic mouthwash, flossing once a day, and brushing your teeth twice every day will help you maintain a healthy set of gums and teeth for longer. But avoid brushing your teeth aggressively because it puts too much stress on the treat site and might dislodge the crown or filling.
Consider Follow-up Visits
After your root canal procedure, do not skip a follow-up visit with the dentist at Montgomery Dental Associates. The expert will tell you whether everything has healed and whether you can resume your standard routine.
Maintain Cleanliness
Washing the mouth using a salt water rinse after the treatment is also vital. Do this several times a day for the initial three days. To make the rinse, combine a half teaspoon of table salt in lukewarm water. However, avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously.
Prefer Soft Food Varieties Only
For the first few days immediately after the RCT, avoid hard and crunchy foods like hard candies, ice, etc. Rather, choose soft foods like soups, etc. These foods will offer the necessary nourishment without causing discomfort to the treated tooth. Ensure the foods you consume are lukewarm to prevent sensitivity to the tooth.
Follow a Cleaning and Exam Schedule
Dentists will also recommend you stick to the recommended dental exam and professional teeth cleaning schedule to maintain good results and perfect oral health.
Do Not Put Stress on the Canaled Tooth
Avoid putting too much stress on the root canal tooth right after the treatment. For example, you should chew on the opposite side till the dentist in Rockville, MD places a permanent crown or filling. Also, if you grind your teeth, use a mouthguard.