Whether you’ve recently undergone root canal therapy or are waiting to schedule a root canal in Winston-Salem, you probably have questions about what to expect after your procedure and how to treat your teeth.
Luckily, your treatment team here at the dental office of Dr. Jeffrey J. Tibbs has the answers you need:
Will my tooth hurt after my root canal?
Yes, it’s normal to experience some mild-to-moderate pain after your root canal. Root canal therapy, while necessary to save a failing tooth, still involves handling the delicate tissues on the inside of a tooth and will typically cause some temporary sensitivity and pain.
You can manage your discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers. It’s also best to avoid sleeping on the affected side of your face for the first few days after surgery.
What should I eat once I’m home?
Because your tooth will continue feeling sensitive, you should plan on sticking to a diet of soft foods and liquids until your pain and swelling decrease. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid hard or crunchy foods while you have a temporary crown or filling in the affected tooth. We recommend chewing on the opposite side of your mouth until your anesthesia entirely wears off and until you are pain-free.
Great foods to reach for after your root canal treatment include:
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Soup
- Ice cream
- Applesauce and soft fruits
- Eggs
- Soft bread with no crust
- Oatmeal
- Cooked pasta
- Pudding
Ensure you’re also drinking plenty of water and avoiding any food that has an extreme temperature, as your tooth will likely still be sensitive to heat and cold.
Will the permanent dental crown bring my tooth back to “normal?”
After your root canal, your Winston-Salem dentist will place a permanent tooth crown to protect and strengthen the area. This crown acts as a protector for your tooth so you can eat, drink, and speak normally once again.
To give your tooth the best chance at staying healthy, however, we recommend treating your post-root canal tooth with a little extra care and caution for the rest of your life. If you know you will be eating extremely hard or chewy foods (think steak, hard bread crusts, beef jerky, etc.), you should avoid biting directly down on your treated tooth or applying excessive force to your tooth crown. Your dental crown is strong, but not invincible—so don’t ask too much of it too quickly.
Contact Our Winston-Salem Dental Office
Do you need to schedule a root canal in 27103? Our friendly dentist, Dr. Tibbs, would love to help! Give us a call today at (336) 765-7477 to get started.