5 Tips to Alleviate Pain After a Root Canal

While most people think a root canal procedure, or endodontic therapy, is one of the most painful experiences you can have, most patients report the actual surgery itself is no more unpleasant than having a filling placed. However, post-procedure healing can hurt severely. Since most teeth that require a root canal procedure are sensitive and sore to begin with, it's reasonable that you will experience pain afterwards.

A root canal procedure is used to save a tooth that has become infected or is decayed. This dental procedure removes the tooth's nerve and pulp, or nerve tissue, from inside the tooth. The interior of the tooth is then cleaned and sealed. Often a crown is placed on the treated tooth at the end of the procedure to help with the tooth's stability.

If you've had a root canal recently or are scheduled for one soon, here are five tips to help with the healing process:

• Make sure you take the prescribed antibiotics. Antibiotics will help keep the affected area clear of bacteria to expedite healing.
• You can relieve your pain with anti-inflammatory medicine. Your mouth has experienced mild trauma due to the procedure, and the lower the inflammation, the better you'll feel.
• Give your mouth time to heal. As things have been moved about in your mouth, allow everything some time to resume normal positions and get used to the changes.
• Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods for several days. Not only will eating hard foods hurt, but your treated tooth will be more brittle than your other teeth.
• Steer clear of pain with a dental crown. Having a crown made for the treated tooth will keep the tooth functional, intact and help avoid discomfort from the tooth fracturing.

If after several days the pain has not abated, call Dr. DePaola in Jersey City. Dr. DePaola may need to adjust your biting pressure or have a mouth guard made so you don't grind your teeth at night, which can prolong pain from a root canal.

If you have a tooth you think may be infected, contact Dr. Frank DePaola today. Please call 201-792-9400 to schedule an appointment at our Hoboken board-certified dental practice. Our office serves clients in Hoboken, Newark and Jersey City, New Jersey along with surrounding New Jersey areas.