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What You Should Know About Your Endodontic Treatment Recovery

What You Should Know About Your Endodontic Treatment Recovery

What will my endodontic treatment include?

If you are in need of a root canal or any other type of root procedure, you have probably been referred to the doctor. An endodontist is a dental professional who specializes in root canals. Because of the additional training they receive after completing dental school, endodontists are able to perform many different root therapy procedures. They are also prepared to do more precise work than your regular dentist. If you have been referred to the doctor for endodontic treatment, you may likely expect the following:

  • Anesthesia: Your endodontist will ensure your comfort during the procedure by providing either local or general anesthesia.
  • Removal of the infected area: After your tooth is numbed, the endodontist will drill into it and remove the infected pulp.
  • Cleaning the tooth: Once the inflamed area has been removed, your endodontist will carefully clean the inside of the tooth and shape it for the next step.
  • Filling the tooth: After the tooth has been cleaned and prepped, the endodontist will fill it with a protective material and seal it to prevent further infection.

After a period of recovery time, you will return to your dentist to receive a crown or other protective element to restore your tooth to its original function.

What can I expect after the treatment?

While most patients come to endodontic treatment in considerable pain, many of them experience very little of that pain during or after a root canal. After the anesthesia wears off, your tooth may be a little bit sensitive for a few days, but the discomfort should be minimal compared to the pain you experienced when your tooth was infected. To relieve this pain, you may use over-the-counter pain relievers, or request a prescription in more severe cases.

Does my treated tooth need any special care?

After your endodontic treatment here at North Suburban Endodontics, your tooth will be somewhat vulnerable until you receive a crown or other restoration treatment from your dentist. To avoid any cracks or fractures in your treated tooth, try not to chew or bite on it until it has been restored to full capacity. If it hurts while you are eating, that is a strong indication that you should be more careful about where you chew your food. In addition, you should avoid chewing gum until your tooth is back to normal. Staying away from any unnecessary chewing can help prevent further damage to your treated tooth. Other than that, just remember to practice good oral hygiene and your tooth should be just fine! Recovering from your endodontic treatment can be easy and relatively painless if you follow these simple guidelines. Of course, if you have any further questions about your endodontic treatment you can always contact us at our Gurnee, Illinois office!