What to Expect Following Root Canal Therapy

What is root canal therapy? Well, root canal therapy consists of extracting dead, infected, inflamed, and/or damaged nerve tissue from the root of your tooth. During this dental procedure, the inside of your tooth is cleaned and disinfected. Once your tooth is “free of infection, decay and/or inflammation it is either filled with gutta-percha, a rubbery cement, and/or covered with a crown for protection. Once your tooth has been repaired, it should function like the rest of your teeth. The purpose of this procedure is to prevent further infections, inflammation, and/or decay. Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is highly beneficial. In fact, it is one of the most effective ways to save decaying teeth.

And, although root canal therapy can be very uncomfortable, the pain, with the use of anesthetics like laughing gas, is not “unbearable” for most people. It is important that you follow through with the therapy by receiving a crown. If you neglect to get a crown, you place your tooth at risk for fractures and decay. If you experience excruciating post-operative pain, prolonged or severe bleeding (hemorrhaging), and/or a high fever, it is imperative that you call your dentist immediately or seek emergency medical care. If you are wondering what to expect following root canal therapy, you have come to the right place. This article will provide you with a better understanding of what will happen once you complete root canal therapy.

Listed below are some things to watch out for following root canal therapy:

Oral Discomfort

Following root canal therapy, you will probably experience some level of oral discomfort. Expect your treated tooth to be sore, tender, and/or swollen. The level of discomfort varies, but it is probably best to have over-the-counter painkillers (i.e. Tylenol or Advil) or prescription painkillers (i.e. codeine or hydrocodone) nearby. In addition, place a cold compress or a bag of crushed ice (covered in a washcloth or towel) against your achy, swollen jaw to reduce any swelling and pain.

Tooth Sensitivity

You should also expect some tooth sensitivity in the treated tooth. You will most likely experience the sensitivity when chewing food or biting down on something. You may also notice that your tooth feels slightly loose. Do not be alarmed – this can happen when you still have some sensitivity in your nerve endings. If the “loose” feeling continues contact your dentist. The tooth sensitivity can last between a couple of days and a couple of weeks. You can ease your tooth sensitivity by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day, and not placing pressure (chewing) on the side of the treated tooth until the soreness has subsided.

Stick to soft foods (i.e. bananas, yogurt, applesauce, milkshakes, soups, eggs, baked potatoes, oatmeal, etc.) for the first few days, following the therapy. Avoid hard, crunchy foods because they can pull off your temporary crown or filling and delay healing. It is important to note that root canal therapy typically involves at least two sessions (i.e. a temporary crown/filling and permanent crown), so it is important that you take special precautions until the root canal therapy is completed.

Aching & Bleeding

You will also probably experience achiness and bleeding following root canal therapy. It is important to refrain from lifting heavy objects, or overexerting yourself during the recovery period. Lifting and bending can cause your jaw to ache, and trigger prolonged bleeding.

Bumps

Lastly, you may experience tiny bumps on your gums, a couple of days after root canal therapy. Do not worry – this is normal. These bumps occur when pressure around your gum tissue releases, preventing bacteria from lingering around your treated tooth. The bumps should recede within a week.

References:

American Association of Endodontists. (2014). Root canals. Retrieved from http://www.aae.org/patients/treatments-and-procedures/root-canals/root-canals.aspx

Mayo Clinic. (2014). Root canals. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/multimedia/root-canal/sls-2007