Your dentist may recommend a root canal procedure if you have a tooth that has suffered major decay or an infection. After the inside of the tooth has been cleaned and sealed to prevent any further problems, your recovery process can begin. Here are a few things that you can expect to experience after your root canal procedure.

Some Pain and Discomfort

Once the anesthesia wears off, you’ll likely notice some pain and discomfort in the tooth where your procedure was performed. Your jaw might also be sore from you keeping your mouth open for a prolonged period while undergoing your root canal procedure. These sensations should lessen gradually over the coming days. Your dentist may prescribe you medication to alleviate the pain. You can also try taking over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen for relief.

Eating Modifications

You may need to modify your diet and the way that you eat within the first few days after your treatment. It’s best to avoid eating for the first few hours after surgery since your mouth will be numb and you could end up biting your lip or the inside of your cheek while trying to chew. When you’re ready to start eating again, try snacking on some ice cream to relieve any inflammation. You should also be eating soft foods that are easy to chew. Your preventative dental care provider can recommend other foods to eat in the early stages of your recovery.

Possible Complications

Even though most patients don’t experience any problems with their root canal procedures, complications can still occur. The American Association of Endodontists recommends contacting your dentist if you experience severe pain that lasts for more than a few days. You may also need further treatment if you notice swelling inside or outside your mouth or you have a bite that’s uneven. Itchiness, hives and other signs of an allergic reaction to medication should also be brought to the attention of a dental professional.

Follow-up Care

Your dentist will likely want you to return in the near future for a follow-up appointment. During this appointment, your dentist can perform an examination that will indicate how well the tooth and surrounding area are healing. You may also need to have additional x-rays taken to make sure that everything is remaining intact. An extra teeth cleaning might be performed as well to remove plaque, bacteria and any other harmful factors that could be detrimental for your treated tooth.

Recovery from a root canal procedure is generally a straightforward process that requires you to make only a few simple modifications to your routine within the first few days. By giving yourself the chance to recover properly, you’ll decrease your chances of experiencing complications.