Our mouth is a vulnerable place and is likely to get infected. Most of the bacteria that enter your body are through the mouth as you eat and drink. It can affect your oral health, and the result can be painful conditions that can require the patient to undergo a root canal.

For those who do not know, root canals are painful. Even if the dentist administers proper anesthesia, you shall experience some pain and discomfort afterward. Ensuring proper aftercare is essential for preventing any infection or pain management.

If you just had a root canal or planning to get one done, we have put together a comprehensive guide for you to know in detail about proper root canal aftercare.

Root Canal – Why and How?

Root canal happens to be a common teeth-repairing and saving treatment from infection and severe decay. Every year, dentists treat and save millions of teeth with the help of this procedure. 

Due to deep decay and infection, the nerve and pulp can become irritated, infected, and inflamed. Moreover, a chip/crack in the tooth, large fillings, and repeated dental procedures are also the cause of inflamed or infected tooth nerve and pulp. Trauma to the face can also lead to such repercussions.

Signs and Symptoms That Indicate Need for Root Canal

• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Darkened gums or deep decay
• Lingering tooth sensitivity
• Pimples on gums
• Painful or swollen gums
• Sharp pain while biting or chewing

Root Canal Procedure

A root canal procedure involves the removal of both the nerve and the pulp. After that, the dentist cleans and seals the inside of the mouth thoroughly.. Not doing this could damage the surrounding tissue infecting it and leading to the formation of an abscess. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the tooth’s root when the infection spreads past the root ends.

An infection in the root canal can lead to:

• Bone loss around the tip of the root
• Swelling that might spread to the head, face, or neck
• Drainage problems that spread outwards from the root. A hole can appear through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums. Or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.

Once the tooth has emerged from the gums, a tooth’s nerve is essential to a tooth’s function and health. The nerve is responsible solely for sensory function. It gives you the sensation of cold or hot. However, the absence of nerves does not impact the functionality of the tooth.  Although the procedure is painful, it involves almost the same amount of pain as one goes through to get a filling replaced. It is important that you get this treatment from the best dentist in Dubai at Same Day Dental Implants for best results. We use state of the art equipment and advanced technology to perform this procedure.

Root Canal Aftercare – Immediate and Afterwards

You should know that the discomfort that you experience through a root canal is minimal. You don’t have to take a rest for a prolonged period.

Your dentist shall prescribe medications for you. Follow the prescribed amount, and you shall be fine. The aftercare is not about managing the pain only but controlling the inflammation and swelling as well.

We have divided the aftercare into three stages:

• Immediately after
• After Few Days
• In Future

Immediately After

Even when a few hours have passed, you would still be under the influence of anesthesia and somewhat numb. See that you don’t chew anything or drink anything hot as you might burn yourself. Or bite too hard on the tooth.

You might get a temporary restoration placed in the tooth. If your root canal therapy is getting started, you would have to get additional appointments. When the root canal therapy has completed, get the temporary filling replaced where getting a dental crown might be most suitable. See that you don’t put pressure on that tooth/teeth until you have received restoration.

Continue with the medications prescribed to you.

Over the Next Few Days

Here are few practices you need to follow strictly after getting a root canal:

First of all, as said earlier, avoid pressure on the affected area. The area is going to be both swollen and sensitive after a root canal. The aim is to reduce swelling as fast as possible. See that you avoid chewing with that side of the mouth. So, give that area time to recover without functioning normally.

Be careful in choosing the foods and drinks that you consume. Avoid chewing and hard foods. Since tooth sensitivity is aggravated after a root canal, avoid foods that are too hot or too cold to prevent unnecessary pain and discomfort.

Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial during recovery as well to prevent infection. While brushing the affected area, see that you are gentle. Increase your use of mouthwash.

The most important thing is pain management. Take prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain relief medicine. If you take proper care, the pain should start to improve gradually.

In Future

See that you don’t get lazy in your future appointments. Usually, dentists place fillings in the root canal temporarily. You would eventually get a dental crown. The reason behind this practice is that the tooth gets damaged during the procedure. So, in case there is extensive damage to the tooth by the time you begin treatment, it shall need more than one cleaning. Furthermore, there are chances of it getting more damaged during the procedure.

Never neglect any kind of follow-up. It is essential for an efficient and smooth recovery and enjoys improved functionality.

For further information, feel free to contact our most experienced dentists and oral health specialists at Same Day Dental Implants.