Root Canal Recovery in Four Easy Steps

Your mouth is a group of interconnected elements, formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their environment. It’s an ecosystem that functions 24/7. As with all components that work together, their “system” can develop a glitch. Many conditions can affect the teeth and gums, putting them at risk of decay and disease. Some conditions require the expertise of a dental specialist apart from your regular dentist. 

The office of Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC is experienced in treating patients of all ages. We’re an excellent one-stop solution for the oral healthcare needs of your whole family. You can rest assured that we’ll provide the expert service you need and expect.

Tooth pain that may come on suddenly and make eating and drinking a challenge. The pain may even spread to other areas of your face. 

Endodontists specialize in saving teeth whose nerves and/or pulps have become inflamed and infected due to decay, cracks or injury. They have advanced training over and above dental school, with specialized techniques to perform procedures relating to the interior of teeth, such as root canals, surgeries and dental implants. 

An endodontist will often work with other types of dental professionals to develop customized treatment options for individual cases.

These are some indications that you may require care from an endodontist: 

• Severe tooth pain when chewing or applying pressure.
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, including after the heat or cold has been removed. 
• Darkening of the tooth.
• Swelling and tenderness in the face or in nearby teeth or gums. 

Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC has a well-established reputation for providing excellent care and compassionate service. New patients are always welcome to our state-of-the-art facility, which is your resource for the best in modern endodontics. Please don’t hesitate to call us to schedule an appointment.

By Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC

September 28, 2022

The tooth-saving, pain-reducing root canal treatments we provide at the endodontist office of Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC take less time and involve far less discomfort than in the past. Advances in techniques and technology contribute to a patient experience that’s far superior to the methods of the past.

Still, there are some simple steps we recommend following a root canal treatment to minimize our patients’ recovery and allow them to begin enjoying their natural, pain-free smile as quickly as possible.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Give yourself some time. As with any procedure, especially one that involves anesthetics, it is recommended that patients plan a recovery period afterward. Allowing yourself the remainder of the day and night to rest is optimal. But keep in mind that every person’s recovery period is different. 

2. Stay comfortable. Ask the endodontist for recommendations for treating any discomfort such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. There’s no reason to endure any lingering pain unless you have a medical aversion to pain relievers. You can go the natural route by rinsing with saltwater to reduce soreness and promote healing.

3. Eat mindfully. It’s recommended that patients don’t eat for several hours after treatment, and for the next few days it’s best to chew slowly and on the opposite side of the mouth when possible.

4. Reduce irritation. Keep inflammation at a minimum by avoiding biting into hard foods, clenching your teeth and jaw, smoking, and putting pressure on the tooth that was treated.

It’s always preferable whenever possible to save your natural teeth, and the treatments offered by our endodontist at Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC are the best way to reach that goal. Artificial replacements just don’t have the look or feel of a natural tooth, and don’t function as well, either. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have questions or to schedule an appointment.

 

By Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC

April 25, 2022