Taking Care of a Tooth After a Root Canal

WE USE ROOT canal therapy to treat infected or inflamed tooth pulp, but the health of the tooth afterward depends on a number of factors. After the procedure, the tooth may require some special attention to ensure that it heals properly. Here are some things you need to know to take care of your tooth after a root canal.

The Extent of the Initial Decay

The extent of the initial decay will play a significant role in how the tooth will recover after root canal therapy. If the decay was extensive, the tooth may be weakened, and it may require a crown to restore it fully. In some cases, the tooth may even need to be extracted. On the other hand, if the decay was minor, the tooth may recover quickly, and there may be no need for a crown.

The Type of Tooth That Was Treated

The type of tooth will also play a role in how the tooth recovers after root canal therapy. Front teeth have only one root, while molars have several roots. This means that the molar will require more time to heal, and the patient may need to be more careful with it. Additionally, teeth that are used for chewing may experience more pressure, and the patient will need to be careful when biting down on hard foods.

The Success of the Treatment

The success of the treatment will also determine how well the tooth will heal. If the root canal therapy was successful, the tooth should heal correctly, and the patient should experience minimal discomfort. However, if the treatment was not successful (which is uncommon but does sometimes happen), the tooth may become reinfected and the patient may need to undergo the procedure again.

The Age and Health of the Patient

The patient’s age and health will also play a role in how the tooth will recover after root canal therapy. Younger patients tend to heal more quickly than older patients. Additionally, patients with a compromised immune system may require more time to heal. Patients with diabetes, for example, may need to take extra precautions to ensure that the tooth heals correctly.

The Quality of Aftercare

Finally, the quality of aftercare will play a critical role in how the tooth will heal after root canal therapy. Patients should avoid biting down on hard foods for the first few days after the procedure. Additionally, they should avoid using the treated tooth to chew until it has fully healed. Patients should also brush and floss their teeth regularly and attend regular dental checkups to ensure that the tooth is healing correctly.

We Want the Best Results for Our Patients’ Teeth

Taking care of a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy requires patience and diligence. The extent of the initial decay, the type of tooth, how successful the treatment was, the age and health of the patient, and the quality of aftercare will all play a role in how the tooth will recover. With proper care and attention, the tooth can heal correctly, and the patient can avoid any further dental issues.

We love saving teeth and want yours to last a lifetime!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.