An Endodontic Treatment or root canal may sound scary to you, especially when you are on your way to your first session, but it’s not that bad or rare at all. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), an average of 41,000 root canals are performed daily in the United States. That’s 15 million each year.

While the process of gables endodontics treatment is a bit complicated, the professional has a lot of practice and skill to do it without complication. When you consider getting an endodontic treatment, knowing the do’s and don’ts of post-treatment is as essential as getting the treatment from a professional dentist.

Read on to find out what exactly happens in gables endodontics treatment and what you should or shouldn’t do after a successful session.

WHAT IS AN ENDODONTIC TREATMENT?

The root canal, or endodontic, is a complex process of saving a damaged tooth instead of pulling it out in dentistry. During the endodontic, the infected pulp is removed, the teeth are cleaned and disinfected from the inside, and then the gap is sealed with the help of a filling.

When you leave a cavity untreated for a long time, the oral bacteria can invade the pulp inside your tooth and cause more damage. This bacteria causes infection and intense pain that needs to be treated immediately. You may also need gables endodontics treatment if your tooth cracks or gets damaged due to an accident.

The symptoms of an infected tooth vary, and you can only confirm the need for an endodontic treatment after you visit a dentist. But here are a few common symptoms that point toward an infected tooth that needs a root canal procedure:

  • Sensitivity to heat and cold
  • Swollen gums or jaw
  • Tooth pain that doesn’t go away
  • Pimple on the gums
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Pain when chewing
  • A chipped, cracked, or loose tooth

PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE BEFORE AN ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

Some precautions are necessary to take before the treatment starts. Here are a few things you should or shouldn’t be doing before a root canal procedure:

  • Take all your prescribed medications: Your dentist will prescribe you antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications for a few days before your appointment. Do not miss taking them, especially if there is a lot of infection.
  • Don’t Smoke: Consuming tobacco will interfere with your body’s ability to heal. This will only make the pain worse and slow healing after the procedure. 
  • Eat well before the appointment: The dentist will use anesthesia during the treatment that will make you numb for a few hours. Not to mention the pain that will follow for a few days after the treatment. So it is advisable to eat a full meal before the appointment.

THE DO’S OF AN ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

Do’s Immediately After The Treatment

The anesthesia used during the procedure to numb the pain can persist for a few hours. You may feel your lip or jaw is swollen, but that won’t be the case. The numbness is perfectly normal. Try staying indoors and distracting yourself with anything you love to do. 

Do’s For A Few Days After The Treatment

  • Eat only soft foods like porridge, rice, or anything else your dentist recommends.
  • Take your medications as prescribed by your dentist.
  • Brush your teeth carefully by applying gentle strokes or as your dentist advises.
  • Seek help from your dentist immediately if you see any swellings in the treated area or anywhere in the mouth.
  • If you still feel the pain even after a few days, contact your dentist immediately.
  • Do saline gargles to alleviate pain

DON’TS OF ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

Don’ts Immediately After The Treatment

  • Do not eat anything (even soft food) until the numbness wears off.
  • Avoid speaking until you have numbness.
  • If you got oral sedation or IV sedation, do not drive immediately.
  • Do not eat anything other than what your dentist suggested.
  • Even while eating soft food, avoid the side where root canal treatment has been done. Follow this until the healing is completed and the tooth is capped.
  • Do not smoke 

Don’ts For A Few Days After The Treatment

  • Do not drink extremely hot or cold beverages until healing is completed.
  • Refrain from consuming alcohol when under antibiotic coverage.
  • Do not delay getting the tooth capped with any restoration advised by your dentist. The cap is to avoid fracture or additional damage that might lead to failure of your root canal procedure.

SOME COMMON FAQS REGARDING AFTERCARE OF A ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE

How long does the recovery take?

The recovery may take less than a week, depending on how well you care for the tooth. You will feel mild pain throughout the recovery, but if the pain is intense and lasts longer than a week, consult your dentist.

What if my root canal fails?

If your root canal fails, your dentist will assess the situation and suggest the best care. In some cases, doing a root canal procedure again may be possible. In other cases, your dentist may recommend alternative treatment options like tooth extraction.

How to know if the root canal has failed?

Minor or significant complications can occur after an endodontics procedure. Some failed root canal symptoms include:

  • Continuous intense pain
  • Pus or drainage from the tooth
  • Discoloration of the tooth
  • Swollen gums
  • Pimple or boil on the gums
  • Sinus problems

Conclusion

It’s frightening to have toothaches or a swollen jaw. On the other hand, root canal therapy can eliminate illness at its source, allowing you to feel well soon. Call your healthcare practitioner immediately if you have an infected or abscessed tooth. The root canal as soon as possible can stop the infection from spreading and ease your pain, allowing you to return to your daily routine.

If you are in Coral Gables and have toothaches or a swollen jaw, feel free to contact our in-office specialist at Forma Dental for a gables endodontics treatment. Schedule a consultation call today on (786) 544-6442 and get your tooth treated or you can email us directly at info@formadental.co. We’re located at 69 Merrick Way, Coral Gables, Fl 33134, United States.