After root canal treatment, you start the recovery phase, which takes only a few days. Then, you come into our dental clinic in a week or so to complete treatment. This usually involves capping the tooth with a dental crown to restore stability and bite function.
Root canals in Brisbane are straightforward and virtually painless.
This blog explains what to expect after root canal therapy and covers the process and prevention.
Why You Need a Root Canal
When bacteria penetrate the tooth enamel and reach the pulp and nerve chamber in the root, you are at risk for infection. Typically, root canal infections are painful and require an emergency dental visit.
Signs to look for include:
- Toothache
- Jaw Swelling
- Gum Blister
- Tooth Darkening
Sometimes, a damaged tooth nerve can mean a lesser toothache and fewer noticeable symptoms. So, you must contact us if you notice lingering or worsening symptoms despite no pain.
The Root Canal Process in Brisbane
The root canal process involves numbing the area around your infected tooth with powerful anesthesia. Then the dentist uses special tools to extract the infected pulp from your tooth’s root chamber. We rinse the chamber to promote healing and then seal it temporarily.
We cap the tooth with a dental crown at a future dental visit, usually a few weeks after the root infection treatment. If the root infection did not cause significant damage or instability, your dentist may use a tooth-coloured filling instead. However, most root canals require a tooth crown.
Lower Your Tooth Infection Risks
You can lower your risks for tooth infections, cavities and gum disease through prevention.
You should:
- Visit our dental clinic regularly for checks and cleans.
- Brush and floss at least twice daily.
- Report unusual oral symptoms to your Brisbane dentist.
By keeping your smile clean, you keep your teeth healthy, which makes it difficult for tartar to erode your enamel and allow bacteria to enter the root chamber.
Debunking Root Canal Treatment Myths
Myth #1: Root Canals Are Painful
Root canal therapy uses the latest technologies and powerful anesthesia for maximum comfort. It is the untreated infection that causes pain.
Myth #2: Root Canals Eventually Fail
More accurately, a root canal is the remedy that keeps a tooth from failing.
Myth #3: Root Canals Cause Disease
There is zero clinical or scientific evidence to support this myth.
Myth #4: Root Canal Treatment Extracts Your Tooth’s Roots
No, root canal treatment extracts the infection.
AT A GLANCE: Frequently Asked Questions about Root Canal Recovery in Brisbane
Q: What should I expect immediately after root canal treatment?
After root canal treatment, you’ll likely feel instant relief due to the local anesthesia. However, you may notice minor discomfort or tenderness later in the evening. This only lasts a day or two. You can treat these mild symptoms with a shop-bought pain reliever. Within a few days, you’ll feel just fine.
Q: What should I do after my root canal to stay comfortable?
It may be best to avoid chewing with the treated tooth until we cap it with a dental crown. For the first few days, you can stick to softer foods like mashed veggies, smoothies and the like, to ensure comfort. You should also follow all your dentist’s aftercare instructions, and call us if you notice unusual symptoms, such as loosening of the temporary filling, new swelling or significant pain. These symptoms may be signs that something is amiss with your recovery.
Q: Will I need a dental crown after my root canal?
In most cases, your dentist crowns your treated tooth after a week or two to restore function. Root infections can weaken tooth structure, so it’s crucial to return for your crown. Otherwise, the tooth can split or fracture.
Q: Why do I need a follow-up appointment?
You need a follow-up appointment, so the dentist can check your recovery and crown your treated tooth.
Gentle Root Canal Therapy in Brisbane
Your comfort is always our top priority at Edward St Dental. If you have a toothache or it’s time for your next check and clean, we welcome your call today on (07) 3221 5855.
