There are many dental procedures that can make patients a little bit anxious, but perhaps none more so than root canals. For some reason, this treatment in particular tends to make people nervous. The truth is that the procedure is a painless way to deal with serious toothaches.

However, it isn’t just the root canal itself that can put patients on edge; they also tend to worry about what aftercare will entail. If you’re curious, here’s what you should expect in the days after getting a root canal.

Will I Be Sore After My Root Canal?

Once the anesthetics from the procedure itself begin to wear off, it’s common to experience a fair amount of discomfort. Most people tend to be sore for the first day or two after the procedure; the body is beginning to heal, which can lead to inflammation and swelling. It’s also common to experience some mild bruising from the procedure itself.

How Much Discomfort Should I Expect?

For the first few days, you should expect the tooth that’s been treated to be noticeably sore. However, this discomfort shouldn’t be debilitating; you should still be able to eat as normal, and there shouldn’t be any issue returning to work.

If you find that the discomfort after the procedure doesn’t fade, or if it worsens, this may be a sign that something is wrong. You should let your dentist know so that they can check for any complications after the treatment.

How to Handle Root Canal Aftercare

If you’re a little concerned about how you’ll take care of yourself after the procedure, you should know that diligently following aftercare guidelines can make you much more comfortable in the days after your procedure.

You should make it a point not to chew or bite down with the tooth that’s been treated, as this will only agitate it further. It’s also important to practice good oral hygiene in the days after your procedure in order to ensure that you don’t develop an infection.

You might want to make proper use of over the counter or prescribed pain medicine, taking them as directed. This will ensure your comfort in the days after your root canal treatment. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be feeling better before you know it!

About Our Practice

At Mt. Holly Family Dentistry, we have a strong and abiding belief that dentistry doesn’t have to be stressful. We know that patients are often nervous about root canals; that’s why we not only keep our procedures completely painless but ensure that you’ll be comfortable from the moment that you step into our office. No matter what issue you’re facing, we can promise that we’ll be by your side for the duration of your stay here.

If you have any questions about root canals, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (609) 267-3230.