While most people dread the idea of a root canal treatment, such a procedure can be a critical first step toward restoring your tooth to its full, healthy function. Just as a filling is an appropriate and ultimately helpful treatment for a cavity, a root canal, along with a subsequent crown, is considered the appropriate restorative dentistry approach to an infection in a tooth’s pulp.

Still, the procedure can be somewhat painful and uncomfortable, so it is helpful for anyone facing a root canal to understand what to expect afterward. Below, the dental care professionals at the office of Michael Helmbrecht DDS in Fairbanks, Alaska, explain what to expect after your root canal is complete.

What To Expect After A Root Canal

Restorative Dentistry

It’s important to remember your root canal primarily serves to treat the infection in your tooth’s pulp and is only the first step in the restorative dentistry work for this tooth. Your dentist may place a temporary filling in the tooth to protect it from further infection, but it will need to be fitted with a full crown to be fully functional.

Pain Treatment

While the aftermath of a root canal is not necessarily painful, you may experience some pain or discomfort in the area for a few days after the procedure as your tooth heals. Over-the-counter medications usually suffice for pain treatment. If you experience intense pain or visible swelling, you should contact your dentist immediately.

Post-Procedure Care

Try not to eat while your mouth is still numb from the procedure, as the lack of feeling makes you likely to bite your cheeks or tongue. Avoid chewing with the tooth in between procedures to protect the temporary filling. It is not unusual for a thin layer of this filling to wear off in between procedures, but if you believe the entire filling has come loose, you should contact your dentist immediately.

Once your tooth has been fully restored with a crown, it should feel good as new. While you'll still need to care for it with regular brushing and flossing as normal, your tooth should be dependable for years to come.

Whether you need a root canal or a simple filling, contact the office of Michael Helmbrecht DDS for trustworthy restorative dentistry in Fairbanks, Alaska. Visit them online to find out more, or call (907) 456-1237 today to schedule an appointment.