Thanks to modern technology, you can be rest assured that a root canal treatment won’t be so bad while you’re in the patient chair. But what happens afterwards, when all is said and done and it’s time to return home? Is there any way for you to know what to expect?
Fortunately, there is – you could say that root canals have a few consistent symptoms of success. Keep reading to learn more!
Oral Soreness
“Wait,” you might be thinking, “that doesn’t sound like a fun symptom!” No, but the point is that you’re just as likely to feel sore after your root canal as you would after similar procedures. It’s considered normal, so there’s no need to panic if you find yourself needing to take ibuprofen or Advil!
Dental Sensitivity
Similarly, if it hurts to eat certain foods or drink certain beverages after your treatment, know that that’s to be expected. Your gums and surrounding tissue might be swollen, which tends to make them a little tender. Brush and floss your teeth gently, chew with the opposite side of your mouth of your root canaled tooth, and avoid overly hot, cold, or spicy treats to avoid this type of discomfort.
Fatigue or Grogginess
Even though you were sitting still for the duration of your root canal, you might still feel sleepy for a day or so afterwards. This isn’t necessarily because of anything you’ve done, but because your body is working to hard to recover from the treatment – that, and the anesthesia can make some patients groggy! If you feel like you need rest, listen to your body and get plenty of sleep.
What Could Be Signs of a Complication
These symptoms might be associated with a successful root canal, but there are warning signs you should be aware of. If you experience prolonged or severe pain, or develop a fever, contact your dentist right away. It’s possible a complication has occurred, in which case it’s best to receive treatment as soon as possible.
Your dentist will take good care of you before, during, and after your root canal treatment, so don’t hesitate to call them if you have questions or concerns. They’re there to help you restore your oral health, after all!
About the Practice
At Bell Road Dental Care, we have three skilled and compassionate dentists on staff. Each has their own unique experience and qualifications, but you can count on all of them to effectively (and gently!) restore your oral health with a quality root canal treatment. If you’d like to know more about what to expect after your root canal or have other questions or concerns, please contact our office at 602-404-3483.