What to Expect During and After a Root Canal Treatment

Getting a root canal treatment isn’t as scary as you might think. The procedure is actually relatively straightforward and much less painful than the decayed tooth itself. To help ease your nerves, we’ve outlined the procedure and what you can expect to experience both during and after the treatment.

What Does a Root Canal Treatment Involve?

A root canal is performed to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it, and then filling and sealing it.

If your dentist suspects you need a root canal, they will perform an X-ray to determine the extent of the damage/decay. On the day you come in to have the procedure completed, a local anaesthesia will be administered to the affected tooth before an opening is made to remove the infected pulp. The tooth will then be filled and covered with either a temporary or more permanent crown.

While you will likely experience a certain level of discomfort during this process, you shouldn’t experience any more pain than you would if you were getting a filling.

What Will Happen After You Receive a Root Canal Treatment?

After your root canal treatment, your Adelaide dentist will provide you with tailored advice about what to expect over the coming hours and days. You might experience some of the following:

• Numbness: The anaesthetic administered to make your root canal procedure more comfortable won’t fade straight away. It usually takes a few hours for you to recover feeling in your mouth and lips.
• Tenderness, pain and sensitivity: Sensitivity around the treated area is common in the days following a root canal treatment. Tissue inflammation and some throbbing pain also aren’t uncommon, so don’t be alarmed if you experience any of these.

After a successful root canal treatment, you will also notice an improvement in the natural aesthetic of your teeth. Because root canals are finished with a filling or crown, your tooth will have a healthy, natural appearance and your dental work will not be noticeable when you smile or speak. This is because the crown or filling will mimic the look of your natural teeth in terms of its shape, texture and colour.

Once the initial side effects subside, you’ll be left with a healthier, pain-free tooth that no longer contains any of the infected or damaged pulp.

Typical Aftercare Guidelines

After your root canal treatment, your dentist will also give you a list of after-care guidelines to follow, which might include:

• Avoid eating until after the numbness fades
• Avoid chewing or biting with the treated tooth until after it has been restored with a filling or crown
• Keep your eye out for any visible swelling or reactions. If you experience either of these, contact your dentist
• Pay attention to your bite, if it feels uneven contact your dentist
• Brush and floss your teeth like normal

You should also contact your dentist in Adelaide immediately if your temporary filling or crown comes out before your next appointment.

To learn more about our restorative dental services Adelaide, contact the team at Advanced Dental Centre today!