{"id":395,"date":"2024-07-31T13:54:13","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T13:54:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tomballdentist.com\/blog\/?p=395"},"modified":"2024-07-31T13:54:14","modified_gmt":"2024-07-31T13:54:14","slug":"what-to-expect-after-a-root-canal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tomballdentist.com\/blog\/2024\/07\/31\/what-to-expect-after-a-root-canal\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Expect After a Root Canal"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you need a root canal<\/a>, it\u2019s normal to be a little nervous about your upcoming procedure. After all, many people only know about root canals from movies and TV shows that portray them as painful and even embarrassing. But the truth is, most root canals are not \u201cas seen on TV.\u201d  They are generally much more comfortable and a lot less dramatic. If you\u2019re getting a root canal, here\u2019s what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Before Your Root Canal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you arrive at your dentist\u2019s office for your root canal, you will be given local anesthesia to numb the area before the procedure. Once you are comfortable, your dentist will begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During Your Root Canal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A root canal is performed by first draining the tooth and clearing away the infected tooth pulp. Once it is removed, your dentist will disinfect the inside of the tooth and then replace the infected pulp with a synthetic, medicated pulp. They will then close the tooth back up, and the procedure will be over. You may need to return for a crown, however in some cases your procedure will be completed with just a filling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After Your Root Canal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, due to the anesthesia the root canal itself should be painless, however its effects will wear off within a few hours. Still, you should be able to drive yourself home from the procedure and return to work or school without any delays. Once the numbness wears off, you will likely feel some discomfort as your mouth heals, but it should not be as severe as the pain you felt from the infection prior to the root canal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any discomfort following the procedure should be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. You should only need to take it for a few days before your tooth feels back to normal, or at least close enough to normal that you can manage it without assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, you should avoid crunchy or hot foods for a few days after your root canal, and if possible, avoid chewing with the newly repaired tooth. This will allow you time to heal and for any sensitivity to go away before returning to your normal diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you require a crown to be placed following your procedure, be sure to attend your next appointment to have it placed. This will help continue the healing process and allow you to get adjusted to your new tooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Tell If Something Is Wrong\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Occasionally root canals can fail, but they can usually be redone in those instances. Warning signs that could indicate a failed root canal include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n