How to Take Care of Teeth After a Root Canal
Patients who have undergone root canals naturally wonder about how they should take care of their teeth as their gums and mouth go through the healing process. There are certain steps that these individuals can take in order to experience a smooth recovery process. The team at Bayview Dental has the expertise to help patients get through this process efficiently for the best results possible.
The Basics of Root Canals
Having a good understanding of what a root canal is and why it is needed can help patients take care of their teeth during the post-procedure period. The root of the tooth is what connects it to the gums and jaw. Patients may require a root canal in cases where tooth decay has reached the pulp of the tooth, an infection has developed around the root of the tooth (known as an abscess), or if they have experienced trauma to a tooth.
A root canal procedure removes the infection from the area and inserts a filling to keep the canal properly sealed. As teeth often become brittle without a sufficient amount of pulp, follow-up visits are usually required in order to place a protective crown over the affected tooth. The team at Bayview Dental facilitates every patient’s dental journey with comprehensive consultations to ensure they are well-informed on the treatment.
What to Expect Immediately After a Root Canal
While a root canal is able to reduce pain in the affected tooth, it is normal for patients to experience some soreness immediately following the procedure. As the patient’s mouth is open throughout the duration of the procedure, they may also notice some soreness in the jaw.
In most cases, any pain that develops after a root canal can be addressed with over-the-counter medications. In some instances, however, the doctor may need to prescribe a stronger medication to keep the pain at bay. At Bayview Dental, we take a hands-on approach with our patients, always making sure that they get exactly the medication that they need to get them through the recovery period.
Oral Hygiene After a Root Canal
Maintaining good oral hygiene after a root canal is crucial. It is highly recommended that patients brush their teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and use mouthwash regularly.
After the root canal and auxiliary procedures are completed, patients will need to come in for follow-up appointments to make sure that they are healing properly. After the healing process is finished, patients should attend their normal cleanings and checkups as always.
A consistent oral hygiene routine will help to ensure healthy teeth and gums for many years to come. Our team provides pointers on how patients can keep their teeth in the best condition possible well into their golden years.
Potential Root Canal-Related Issues to Watch Out For
While most root canal procedures have a success rate of almost 100%, there are potential complications that patients should be aware of going forward.
Multiple Roots
In rare instances, a tooth has more roots than initially expected, meaning that one of them may go untreated. If this happens, the patient may notice that their pain persists even after undergoing the treatment. Patients who find that their symptoms carry on after their procedure should reach out to their dentist right away.
Dissolving Sealant
Another rare situation, the sealant used in a root canal can sometimes deteriorate over time, giving mouth bacteria a chance to once again reach the inside of the tooth. Coming in for regular checkups with the dentist is the best way to safeguard against this.
Cracked Root
There are also rare instances in which there is a crack in the root that goes unnoticed during the procedure. This can lead to persistent pain that should be reported to a dentist right away.
What is the Takeaway?
Root canals are vital procedures for patients who are experiencing pain due to root infections. Patients should follow all of their dentist’s instructions carefully to ensure the best recovery process possible. It is always possible for the problem to recur, either in the same tooth or another one. As such, maintaining good dental hygiene is essential.
Choosing the best dentist in Naples for your root canal procedure is crucial. At Bayview Dental, we provide comprehensive consultations to ensure that all of our patients’ concerns are addressed. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our root canal procedures.