Having a root canal – also known as endodontic treatment – is a positive step towards your future oral health. By getting help, you’re choosing to save your natural tooth, and preventing the risk of infection or decay.
But what comes next? How should you approach life after a root canal? Immediately after your treatment, and in the longer term, there are sensible, straightforward things you can do to boost your recovery and protect your tooth.
What to expect straight after a root canal
In the hands of an experienced endodontist, root canal treatment is smooth and comfortable. This means that you’ll be able to return to your normal daily life quite quickly. When the procedure is complete, it may take around an hour for the numbness from anaesthetics to subside. After this, we recommend sticking to soft foods (like porridge, yoghurts, and soups) for the first day or two. It’s also a good idea to avoid chewing with the affected tooth and brushing gently around the area while things are still slightly sensitive.
Any discomfort is usually mild, and should ease within a few days. If the area around your tooth is sore or swollen, you can take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. An ice pack or cold compress can also feel soothing. And of course, if you’re worried about anything, experiencing bleeding or fever, or feel discomfort that lasts longer than two weeks, do check in with your dentist.
Tips to aid your root canal recovery
There are lots of things you can do at home to help your root canal recovery. For instance, try to avoid doing any overly strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for the first 24-48 hours, as this can increase your blood pressure and the likelihood of swelling around the area. Giving your body a good rest can make a real difference. Other activities and habits can have a knock-on effect on the recovery process, too – smoking and drinking through straws are both best avoided. It’s also wise to be careful around hard and hot foods while your mouth is still healing.
For a swift recovery, do be sure to take any medications or antibiotics your dentist might have given you. And, even if your mouth is sensitive, regularly brushing your teeth (twice daily) is important. Careful, gentle brushing and flossing will help keep things clean and support your oral health.
Will I need follow-up treatment?
During the root canal process, your endodontist will make a small hole as a gateway into the tooth. This is then sealed and filled at the end of the procedure. In some cases, you may also need a crown, which fits over the tooth as a “cap”. Crowns are more likely if we’re working with a back tooth (a molar or premolar), or one that was more extensively decayed or damaged. If you need a crown, we’ll book you in for this as a follow-up treatment.
Protecting and preserving your tooth
With your endodontic treatment complete, it’s natural to feel concerned about whether you’ll face the same problems again. The good news is that with proper care, your natural tooth can still go on to last a lifetime. We’ve already mentioned the importance of good oral health, but this really is key – brushing twice daily and cleaning between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes will protect against new decay around the restoration.
Because a root canal removes the tooth’s nerve, you won’t feel pain within the tooth if decay starts to develop. This makes it much easier to miss signs of an issue – your body’s internal warning system might not be able to flag it. For this reason, it’s a good move to build regular dental check-ups into your schedule. Seeing a trusted dentist every six to 12 months will allow them to catch and solve any problems early-on. They may also recommend seeing a hygienist, who can remove the build-up of plaque and prevent erosion.
If your tooth has been fitted with a crown, be mindful when eating particularly hard foods. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard can provide valuable protection for both your treated tooth and your remaining natural teeth. By maintaining these preventative measures, you’ll be protecting your tooth – and your smile – for many years to come.
How successful is a root canal?
The success of root canal treatment can depend on a wide range of different factors. Your age and health, the tooth’s location, and the extent of any damage or decay, can all play a part. However, we’re happy to tell our patients that the success rate of endodontic treatment is usually high – especially with the right aftercare.
Ultimately, the sooner you see a dentist, the more effective your treatment is likely to be. Spotting issues early, and acting quickly, will limit the potential for ongoing problems.
This is why, at The Bristol Dental Practice, we try to break down any barriers that might come between you and the treatment you need. If cost is a concern, we offer interest-free finance, as well as a prevention monthly payment plan. Fear can also be a factor that stalls patients seeking help, which is why we offer sedation as an option for all treatments. And, because life can be busy, we offer the flexibility of appointments seven days a week, based at our practice in the heart of Bristol.
We’re always here to listen and help, whether you’re worried about an early warning sign or just about to undergo treatment. If you’d like to talk to our team, do get in touch.