Root Canal Recovery: What Aftereffects Can You Expect?

When a cavity goes a long time without being noticed, it can extend to your tooth’s root, causing a painful condition known as pulpitis. In these cases, a root canal procedure performed by a dentist near Pompano Beach Airpark can be the only way to remove the discomfort and restore your tooth’s health.

Root canal therapy is a highly effective treatment to remove extensive decay and protect both your tooth and the surrounding areas, but because it involves the sensitive nerves of your tooth, it can have some aftereffects. Here’s a breakdown to help patients feel prepared and at ease during the procedure.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Endodontic therapy, also known as a root canal, is a dental procedure used to treat infections in the tooth pulp, the innermost layer of your teeth. It involves removing the infected pulp entirely and sealing the area. This allows the dentist to fully remove the infection and restore the tooth while avoiding invasive treatments like oral surgery and tooth extraction.

• You may develop pulpitis if:
• You have a deep cavity that requires treatment.
• You have a cracked or damaged tooth, and bacteria from plaque infect the pulp.

Endodontists and dentists perform about 15 million root canals annually in the United States, making it one of the most common dental procedures. However, many patients are reluctant to undergo this treatment due to the fear of pain that’s often associated with it.

Aftereffects of Root Canal Therapy

While the idea of undergoing a root canal can be scary, understanding the aftereffects can help patients feel more at ease. Root canals are highly effective and typically relieve pain caused by bacteria reaching your dental pulp.

However, while root canal therapy removes the infected pulp and alleviates the source of pain, it still involves your nerve endings, so it’s natural to experience some mild to moderate discomfort during the healing phase.

Some of these effects include:

• Tenderness or Soreness: Due to surrounding tissue inflammation, you may experience some soreness and mild swelling, especially when biting or chewing. The discomfort should be around the tooth, not the tooth itself, as it no longer has nerves.
• Jaw Fatigue: You may feel stiffness from keeping the mouth open during a prolonged procedure
• Tooth Sensitivity: The area may be sensible to pressure or temperature changes in the first few days
• Temporary Heightened Tooth: Sometimes the filling or crown may feel slightly “high” after the procedure, creating a mild pressure sensation

These effects typically subside within a few days to a week.

How to Subdue Discomfort After a Root Canal Therapy

Following your root canal treatment, it’s common to experience some soreness and discomfort. You can manage them with over-the-counter pain relievers. Dentists often recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain. You can also reduce swelling by applying an ice pack to the outside of the cheek.

Follow the prescribed dosage schedule even if you feel fine—it’s easier to stay ahead of the pain than catch up to it.

Get a Successful Root Canal with a Dentist Near Pompano Beach Airpark

Root canals are an effective treatment to eliminate tooth infections that, if left untreated, could spread to other teeth and cause jawbone damage.

We apply dental sedation during the procedure to ensure you don’t experience any pain or discomfort. The anesthesia can take an hour to wear off, and you should rest at home and avoid strenuous activities during that time.

If you have any other questions during recovery, contact Park Plaza Dental for help!