Unlike mosquitos, root canals don’t deserve their bad reputation. After all, the amount of pain associated with this tooth-saving service is about the same as a normal filling – virtually nonexistent. This treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection, and save the natural tooth. When a person undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. Keep reading to learn about recovery after a root canal in Dallas and how you can tell if something is wrong to necessitate calling your emergency dentist.
What Are Normal Symptoms After Getting a Root Canal?
There will be some discomfort following a root canal. The pain could be a dull ache or strong for the first 24-48 hours. As your body begins the repair process, there could be swelling, inflammation, tenderness, bruising, and pain.
Try to get some rest and stay hydrated. Take your vitamins, as well as any pain medications or antibiotics your dentist recommended. It would also be best to stick to soft foods. The important aspect of any pain you feel is that it should improve a bit each day.
The reason it’s normal for you to feel sensitivity in the days after this treatment is the tissue around the gums remains swollen or inflamed. The nerve root of the tooth has been removed, but there are still small nerves in the surrounding tissue and ligaments.
Also, when you receive a temporary filling and it is not smoothed down enough – maybe it’s even a little higher than the surrounding tooth, it can cause your mouth to bite harder on that spot and make the tooth sore.
How Do I Know if Something Is Wrong After a Root Canal?
In most cases, the sensitivity and discomfort associated with a root canal should go away within a few days. After all, they are minor surgeries, and your mouth needs time to heal. It is possible, however, for a root canal to fail. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Ongoing pain. If the pain is intense for more than a week, you may have a failed root canal.
- Tooth sensitivity. If hot or cold food is problematic for you more than a few days after the procedure, it could indicate failure.
- No detection of temperature. On the other end of the spectrum, if you can’t detect hot or cold foods days after your procedure, it may have failed.
- Swelling of gums. If your gums become irritated after a root canal, this is one of the clearest signs that the procedure failed.
- Tooth pain returns. If tooth pain subsides after the treatment and then returns a few days later, it is a sign of bacteria growth.
- Facial swelling. This is another indicator of infection.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your emergency dentist in Dallas as soon as possible. A failed root canal can be treated, but if you have an infection, it is important that you don’t put off scheduling an appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Sung-Hee Lee earned her dental doctorate from Baylor College of Dentistry. A Dallas resident for more than two decades, she’s a member of the American Dental Association. If you could benefit from root canal therapy, she offers dental sedation, accepts dental insurance, and same-day emergency appointments are available. Schedule one on her website, but if it’s an emergency, call (972) 481-8800.