A root canal is typically recommended when a tooth is infected or when it has been damaged to the point that its pulp chamber is compromised. The pulp chamber is a sealed off part of a tooth that houses the tooth's nerves and blood vessels.
Root canals have a reputation as one of the scary treatments performed by dentists, but the procedure involves little to no pain thanks to the local anesthetics used. Root canals help to get rid of toothaches and pain, not add to it.
There is not much of a recovery period after getting a root canal, but there are a variety of simple things patients can do to ensure the treated tooth heals properly. These include:
It can take a few hours for the local anesthetic used during a root canal to wear off. Trying to eat during this window can lead to cuts and bites to soft tissues in the mouth like the tongue and cheeks. Patients might also experience some swelling after their treatment. This can be alleviated by applying an ice pack to the area.
Dentists recommend sticking to soft foods for the first few days after a root canal. This reduces the odds of the tooth being damaged while it heals or the filling material used to seal the tooth being dislodged.
Strenuous exercises can lengthen the time it takes for a tooth that has been restored with a root canal to heal. Dentists recommend avoiding exercises and other intense physical activities for a few days after getting a root canal.
Low-intensity exercises like walking do not cause the body unnecessary stress. Patients should incorporate such exercises into their routines as they recover.
The body does most of its healing while in a rested state. Getting lots of rest after dental treatments like root canals helps to promote speedy recovery. This includes getting at least eight hours of sleep each night and not overexerting yourself during the day.
Dentists often recommend covering up teeth that have been repaired with root canals with crowns. A crown is a restoration that covers up the visible part of a tooth. It covers any damage and aesthetic issues on the tooth, and it protects it from bite forces and irritants in the mouth.
Crowns are held in place with dental cement, and it can take up to 48 hours for the material to set. During this period, patients need to be careful about the things they eat since they can end up dislodging the crown.
There is no need to be scared of root canal treatment. Most people feel significantly better after a root canal than they did when they walked into the clinic. Call or visit our Stoughton office to learn more about how our dentist restores teeth with root canals.
Request an appointment here: https://dentistryonpark.com or call Dentistry on Park, LLC at (781) 443-8131 for an appointment in our Stoughton office.
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