Being told that you need root canal therapy in Cupertino can feel like bad news at first. While inner tooth infections are never a good thing, being told you need a root canal is actually fantastic compared to the alternative. If you’re told that a root canal is needed to save your tooth, that means it doesn’t require an extraction. Replacing teeth is far more expensive and difficult to do than restoring them through root canals, so while it may not seem like it at first, it is definitely a positive.
But what can you expect after treatment is complete? Find out in today’s post highlighting the most important facts to know.
Immediately After Treatment is Done
During your treatment, your tooth will be numbed to reduce as much discomfort as possible. However, once the treatment is complete and the anesthetic wears off, you may very well experience some discomfort, swelling and inflammation. This is especially true if these symptoms were present prior to the actual surgery. Thankfully, these symptoms should disappear after a few days. The best way to manage post-care discomfort is through over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs as needed.
Most patients can return to their daily activities the next day, but should avoid practicing strenuous exercise the same day of surgery. Avoid all tobacco products as they can dramatically affect the mouth’s ability to heal. Avoid using straws as they can cause additional stress on your tooth as well.
How to Protect Your Tooth
It is crucial that you avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the tooth was operated on. The more you can minimize chewing on that side, the better. Doing so will help you prevent recontamination and prevent it from breaking further before it has fully healed.
While you should be cautious while the tooth heals, you’ll still need to practice daily oral care. Make sure to brush, floss and use an antiseptic mouthwash to remove plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Continue seeing your dentist regularly as well.
Will You Need a Dental Crown?
For most individuals, a dental crown will be needed in order to seal the damaged tooth away from the bacteria as it heals. However, this need can vary depending on the tooth affected. For example, posterior teeth (which includes the bicuspids and the molars) will definitely need a crown since they experience the most amount of daily use. In contrast, anterior teeth (which includes the incisors and canines) may not require a crown because they don’t experience as much stress.
After your treatment, you’ll be given a temporary crown to protect your tooth while it heals. However, you’ll still need to come back to the practice after your permanent crown is made. This crown is meant to last several years before needing replacement, unlike the temporary crown which should not be worn any longer than two weeks.
Are you putting off a root canal treatment? Don’t worry! There’s an endodontist near Cupertino that can put you at ease. Schedule an appointment to get started saving your tooth!
About the Author
Dr. An Nguyen earned her DDS degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. As an endodontist, she understands that treating patients with compassion and care is essential, especially before, during and after root canal therapy. Her personalized care and extensive knowledge in the field allows her to provide the most effective treatments possible. To learn more about her practice, you can contact her through her website.
