Root canal treatment is a standard procedure performed daily in most dental offices. It is used when the tooth infection is too extensive to treat with a simple filling or when the tooth is structurally damaged. In this article, we discuss the potential risks of root canal treatment and offer tips to help you avoid them.
What Are the Risks of a Root Canal?
In most cases, root canal therapy is a safe procedure with a high success rate. In fact, it helps save an infected or damaged tooth from extraction and restore its structure and function. During the procedure, your dentist accesses the tooth’s inner chambers to remove infected pulp and clean the canals. Then, the dentist fills the tooth with a biocompatible material and seals it to prevent bacteria, saliva, and food residue from entering. Often, teeth treated with root canal therapy can remain functional for up to 20 years or even a lifetime.
The risks of root canal therapy depend on the severity of tooth infection or damage and include the following:
- Reinfection can occur shortly after the procedure if the canals aren’t fully cleaned or the tooth isn’t sealed properly. That is why it is important to choose a reputable doctor who specializes in endodontic procedures.
- If infection significantly damaged the tooth’s structure before the procedure, it might fracture or get reinfected later. However, dentists usually reinforce such a tooth with a crown, which prevents post-procedure risks.
- When a root canal is performed on one of the upper molars, the procedure might irritate the nearby sinus cavities, causing discomfort.
Reinfection or structural damage may occur if post-procedure care is inadequate.
How to Avoid Complications After Root Canal Therapy
If root canal therapy is performed correctly, the risk of complications is low. However, you still need to follow post-procedure care rules to ensure a swift recovery. The main recommendations usually include:
- Abstain from eating after the procedure until the anesthetic wears off. When your mouth is numb, you might accidentally bite down too hard on the newly treated tooth or bite the soft tissue in your mouth.
- For several days after the procedure, switch to soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth.
- Avoid very hot and cold foods and drinks, as the tooth may be temperature-sensitive for about a week after the procedure.
- Maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day and flossing every evening. Be gentle when brushing and flossing around the procedure area.
- Abstain from smoking and alcohol as they slow down healing.
- Limit strenuous activity and avoid sports for 5 to 7 days after the procedure.
- Get plenty of rest and aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
- Take the full course of medications (such as antibiotics) if your dentist prescribes any. Medication can be prescribed in cases of severe tooth infections with a higher risk of post-procedure reinfection.
- Contact your dentist right away if the post-procedure soreness doesn’t go away within 3 to 5 days after the procedure or if the pain increases.
Get a Safe Root Canal Procedure at Tropic Dental Care
If you need root canal therapy, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with an experienced, reliable dentist in Riverside today. Our highly qualified specialists will carefully review your case and consider your needs to ensure a smooth, complication-free procedure. We are looking forward to your visit.
