Experiencing some pain after undergoing root canal therapy near you is normal. Despite root canal procedures’ former reputation as being painful and complex, advances in dental techniques and treatment mean that the procedure itself will be completely painless. Your dentist will completely numb the area of your mouth being treated and can even provide sedative options to help you relax to the point you may not even remember a thing. Painless as root canal therapy in Lethbridge is, though, root canals are a physically demanding procedure that will cause some discomfort during your recovery period. Here’s an outline of what to expect.
During your recovery period
For a few days after your root canal procedure, you may experience mild pain and sensitivity caused when the dentist opens and removes the diseased pulp tissue from the inside of your infected tooth.
In most cases, the pain you experience following a root canal is mild enough that it can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol, Advil or Motrin IB. Be sure to take all medications as directed and let your dentist in Lethbridge know about any other medications you’re taking and any allergies you may have.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe some stronger narcotic pain medication and antibiotics. As always, be sure to tell your dentist about any allergies to medications. If you have any concerns with taking narcotic pain medication or have had negative experiences with pain medication in the past, let your dentist know during the planning process prior to your procedure. Your dentist will offer you alternative methods for minimizing and treating pain and discomfort.
The numbness in your mouth may take a while to completely leave your mouth. You should avoid eating (or drinking anything hot) while your mouth is still numbed. Because your mouth is numbed, you will not feel anything if you accidentally bite your lip, tongue or cheeks. When you do begin eating again, avoid chewing or biting directly on your treated tooth until — after you’ve healed from your root canal procedure — your dentist in Lethbridge has finished your root canal treatment by fitting you with a crown. That crown will protect your tooth from reinfection and provide strength to the tooth if it was weakened during the surgery.
Following your root canal procedure, begin brushing and flossing as normal after the numbness in your mouth has worn off, but avoid poking, prodding or putting pressure directly onto the tooth that was treated until you’ve recovered in full.
When to call your dentist
If you experience any of the following symptoms during your recovery period, call your dentist immediately for advice and to confirm that no complications or infection has developed:
- Pain that increases overtime rather than improves
- If you experience severe pain or pressure for more than a few days after your surgery
- If you notice any swelling — inside or outside of your mouth
- You experience any fever
- Your bite feels uneven as if one tooth was higher than the other
- Your temporary crown or filling (if one was put in place) is dislodged from your tooth
- Any of the symptoms that required you to undergo a root canal in the first place come back
Our final point is the most important one. Follow the instructions you receive from your dentist in Lethbridge carefully. If you ever experience any symptoms that concern you or any pain or discomfort that worsens rather than improves, don’t hesitate to contact a dentist near you right away.