While a root canal is a fairly routine procedure, it’s always advised to be informed on what to expect once you’ve had one. This is helpful so that you can take the proper measures for self-care at home without risking any further damage to your already sensitive teeth. At Mainwaring John D DDS, Orange, CT’s best family dental practice, the staff always takes the time to explain each procedure they perform, informing patients on what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Here, the dental team highlights what to expect from root canals after the surgery is over:

• Mouth Soreness: While the source of your pain is no longer your actual tooth, you may still feel soreness in that area. The root canal has required the dentist to go fairly deep into your tooth cavity, and you’re likely to feel the effects of that once the anesthetics wear off. This should go away after a few days as your body heals itself naturally, but if you feel pain around the tooth itself, contact your dental office immediately, as this might be signs of further complications.
• Tender Jaw: Similar to the soreness in your teeth, your jaw area may feel a bit tight or sore immediately after the surgery. This is because of keeping your mouth open — held in place by props — for the hour (or longer) that it took to complete the procedure. This should also ease on its own after a few days of resuming normal daily activity. If you notice your jaw becoming tight more often, you can consult your dental office to check if there’s a locked jaw issue.
• Difficulty Eating: If your root canal isn’t quite complete yet — meaning if the permanent filling and crown haven’t been placed — you’ll have an open cavity in the center of your tooth. This will make it difficult to chew on that side, and it is strongly advised that you avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods to minimize the risk of bacteria buildup. It’s also important to remember to brush and floss as usual!

For more information on root canals or to make an appointment at a trusted family dental practice, contact Mainwaring John D DDS and his associates at (203) 799-6625. You can also visit their website for more information, and find the practice on Facebook and Google +.