You just had root canal treatment. The hardest part is over, but as you go home, you may have some questions about the aftermath. Here are the most common questions about recovering from a root canal and answers that can help you know what to expect, relax, and avoid unpleasant complications.
Will I Feel Pain After a Root Canal?
The main objective of root canal treatment is to remove the nerve of the tooth, which triggers pain. Because the nerve will be gone, you shouldn’t have any pain after the anesthetic wears off. However, your mouth may be slightly sore or sensitive as the surrounding nerves get back to normal following the therapy.
You should be able to manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication. If it ever escalates to pain or you contract a fever, contact your dentist right away.
What Can I Eat After a Root Canal?
While the local anesthetic is in effect, you should not eat anything. You don’t want to risk accidentally biting your tongue or cheek! After you regain feeling in your mouth, you should start with softer foods when you resume eating, especially if your mouth is still a little sensitive or sore. Mashed potatoes, applesauce, and eggs are examples of foods that can ease you back into your normal diet. For a couple of days following your appointment, you may want to avoid harder foods like chips or nuts.
Why Do I Need a Temporary Crown After a Root Canal?
After the pulp or center of the tooth has been removed, your dentist cleans the inner chamber and seals it. Following impressions, which are sent to a dental lab, your dentist will put a temporary crown on the tooth until your custom crown is ready. Fortunately, you’ll only need to wear the temporary version for a couple of weeks, when you’ll return to the dentist’s office to have your personalized crown bonded in place.
How Do I Make Sure the Tooth Stays in Good Condition?
If you’ve gone through the trouble of preserving your tooth with root canal treatment, you should want to keep it in good condition for a good, long while! To avoid needing extraction later on, you need to take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing every day and going into your dentist’s office at least every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning. You can also cut back on sugary, starchy foods, which limits the acids in your mouth.
Should you have questions about your treatment or the aftermath, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist. They want to make the process as stress free for you as possible.
About the Practice
At Pioneer Greens Dentistry, patient comfort is a major priority. Our dentists and team take time to answer questions about treatment and explain aftercare to ensure that the patient can enjoy their healthy smiles and recover efficiently from treatment. If you have questions about root canal treatment or any other therapy, reach out to Pioneer Greens Dentistry in Lincoln by calling 402-483-7502 or visiting our Contact Us page.