Root Canal Post Treatment Care

Have you had a toothache? If you have, you know how painful it can be, leading you to take pain medication for days, and sometimes, not even painkillers can soothe the sensation. 

When a tooth is that damaged, there are only two options – extracting it or saving it. In our dental clinic in Dearborn, we always prioritize saving a dental piece.

Extracting a tooth leads to the following consequences:

• Bone loss – When you lose a dental piece, the bone surrounding it loses its stimulation and starts resorbing.

• Older appearance – Bone loss causes your face to shrink, making you look older.

• Teeth shifting – The teeth adjacent to the gap shift towards it, leading to alignment issues.

• Higher risk of tooth decay – Gaps lead to food debris and plaque buildup, which leads to tooth decay if you don’t carefully remove it.

• Decrease your self-esteem – On a more psychological aspect, tooth loss causes a lack of confidence in people. They feel self-conscious about their smiles and have a hard time speaking and eating their favorite foods. Plus, interacting with others becomes difficult due to embarrassment.

It is for these reasons that we want to discuss root canal therapy in Dearborn. It is the most effective way to save a compromised dental piece. Sure, it is not what people look forward to, but we strongly recommend it instead of undergoing teeth extraction.

What is a Root Canal?

If you are looking for root canal therapy near you, you are Reading the correct blog. A root canal is a dental procedure that consists of removing the tooth’s infected nerve. 

Time ago, it required two dental appointments; now, some new techniques and materials make it possible to do so in a single visit to the dentist. 

First, an endodontist will administer a local anesthetic in the area to numb it. You may opt for sedation dentistry if you are too anxious, but patients rarely choose this method when undergoing a root canal. Our patients state that it is a no bigger deal than when you get a dental filling.

Once the tooth is numbed, the doctor will drill a hole in the tooth and remove the decayed tissue. They will remove the pulp and the necrotic tissue of the canals.

Your endodontist will clean and disinfect the root canal system and seal them with Gutta-percha. Then, they will place temporary cement to prevent bacteria from penetrating again, and you will need to visit a prosthetic dentist for your permanent restoration (commonly, a porcelain dental crown).

What to Expect After the Procedure?

The healing period is short, and you may resume your daily activities the same day. If your tooth is too sensitive, you may wait until the next day. It depends on how the patient feels. 

If you had sedation dentistry, it’s best to wait until the next day to get back to your daily chores.

Among the recommendations for better healing, you may find:

• Pain medication – Normally, you will feel some discomfort during the first days. You may manage it with any over-the-counter pain medication.

• Avoid chewing with the treated tooth – Until you get your permanent restoration, you should chew with the opposite side.

• Ice packs – Swelling can happen during the next 48 hours. You may apply an ice pack for ten minutes on/off to alleviate it.

• Maintain your oral care habits – Brush your teeth twice a day and floss. Including the treated tooth.

We have a dental clinic near you that you may visit at your best convenience if you have any doubts. Our dental professionals will be happy to assist you.