Factors That Influence A Speedy Recovery from Root Canal Treatment

Tooth decay is a ticking time bomb. If not addressed on time and correctly, it can eventually lead to loose teeth, tooth loss, gum infection, abscesses, and bone infection. Fortunately, you can prevent these side effects and save your tooth.

A root canal treatment is an effective way to remove and stop tooth infections. If damage is significant, tooth extraction may be the only remedy. Afterward, you can replace the tooth with a bridge or implant. Contact our dentist in New Brunswick, NJ, to determine the right treatment.

How Root Canal Works

A root canal restores the health of a decayed tooth. Usually, your tooth has three main layers – enamel, dentin, and pulp chamber. Enamel is the outer layer that protects the inner structures of the teeth. The pulp is the innermost chamber that contains nerves and blood vessels.

Unfortunately, your tooth can chip, crack, break, or fracture, exposing the tooth’s pulp. It can happen from accidents, severe teeth grinding and clenching, and poor dental hygiene. When bacteria enter the tooth, they infect the pulp tissues, leading to decay. Root canal therapy is necessary to remove the infection. The dentist begins by numbing your mouth to prevent pain and anxiety during the procedure.

Next, the dentist drills through the tooth to access the tooth’s pulp. Then, the dentist removes infected and decayed pulp tissues, and the tooth is rinsed and disinfected. Next, the dentist fills the empty chamber with a filling material to close the hole. Placing a crown is necessary to protect and strengthen a tooth after a root canal. Typically, placing a permanent filling and crown may take a few weeks. Contact our endodontist in Brunswick, NJ, for more information about root canal treatment.

Factors that Affect Recovery after a Root Canal

While most canals are often successful and long-lasting, there’s often a risk of re-infection. It can happen for several reasons. For instance, if saliva or infection gets trapped during a root canal, it can result in re-infection. Similarly, a crown can crack, chip, or break, exposing the tooth to further infection.

Fortunately, you can do something to facilitate successful healing after a root canal. These include:

• Early treatment

Early treatment is a key factor in successful treatment when performing a root canal. Like most health issues, the sooner tooth decay is detected and treated, the higher the chance of successful root canal treatment.

The more severe the tooth infection or decay, the higher the risk of re-infection. Regular dental assessments and cleanings can help with early diagnosis and treatment. Similarly, seeking dental care immediately when faced with oral issues can ensure a successful root canal with fewer side effects.

• Tooth type

The second factor that can affect the success of a root canal is the type of tooth that needs treatment. Generally, front teeth have single roots, and fewer canals are easier to treat. On the other hand, molars and premolars are hard to reach and contain a complex root canal network. It can make a root canal treatment more complicated, increasing the risk of re-infection.

• The aging process

Over time, teeth can wear down or weaken, making them susceptible to damage. If a root canal is performed on an aged tooth, there’s a higher fracture risk, leading to infections. It’s advisable to place a dental crown after the root canal treatment to prevent this.

Similarly, taking too long to place a crown can increase the risk of re-infection. Most dentists advise placing a crown within a few weeks after the root canal treatment. The improper placing of the crown can also lead to re-infection.

How to Promote Faster Recovery after Root Canal

Immediate Aftercare

• Take medication as prescribed by the dentist.
• Use an ice pack to manage swelling and pain.
• Eat a soft diet. Avoid hard, sticky, spicy, or crunchy food items.
• Brush and floss gently around the treated tooth.
• Avoid hot and acidic items to prevent sensitivity.
• Notify your dentist or contact our North Brunswick dentist if your symptoms worsen or persist.

Long-term Aftercare

• Brush and floss regularly.
• Wear a mouthguard for bruxism or sports.
• Schedule frequent dental assessments and cleanings.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you have an infected tooth? Contact KK Dental – Brunswick for root canal treatment.