What is root canal therapy
Root canal therapy refers to the medical dental procedure of removing damaged or infected pulp from a tooth. This procedure is performed by the dentist to save your teeth and relieve pain. But sometimes it can have side effects which are sometimes mild but sometimes severe. Taking good care of your teeth, regular checkups and hygiene is the easiest way to avoid any such procedure. However, there are a few more factors that can lead to the side effects.
Scenarios where root canal therapy is essential
Sometimes this dental procedure is unavoidable. As in the case of tooth infection, abscess formation under the tooth. Dentists also perform this procedure when an accident or other incident causes a tooth to break. Despite taking great care in this procedure of root canal therapy, sometimes we face some side effects. Here we will provide you with information regarding the side effects of this therapy and its precautions.
18 common root canal therapy side effects
Side effects of dental procedures are sometimes mild and short-lived. While some side effects can bother you for a long time and can be serious at times. A few issues that are very important to mention are as follows.
Immediate Side effects of root canal therapy:
- Pain: Mild or tolerable pain during or after the procedure is normal. Pain reliever medicines control the pain.
- Discomfort: Increased tenderness, discomfort and sensitivity in the area near the tooth where the treatment is carried out.
- Swelling: It may cause swelling of the cheek, face, or especially the gums near the tooth where the procedure was performed.
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding from the treated area during or after the procedure.
- Infection: Infection by bacteria entering through the treated tooth or gum. This rarely happens.
Short-Term Side effects of root canal therapy:
- Sensitivity:The treated tooth may become sensitive, and you may feel even slight cold, pressure, or bitter tastes intensely.
- Tenderness: The gums are sometimes sore or tender near the treatment of the tooth.
- Swollen Gums: The gums also sometimes suffer from inflammation and swelling. The easiest treatment is to rinse with warm water
- Tooth Discoloration: Discoloration or darkening of teeth is also a side effect. This is due to removal of filling material or pulp
Long-Term Side Effects of root canal therapy:
- Tooth fracture: During this procedure, the tooth structure is sometimes weakened. Which increases the risk of fracture or cracking
- Root Fracture: Dentists who apply excessive force during this procedure can also cause a vertical root fracture.
- Crown or filling failure: If a crown or filling is not seated properly, it may break or crack. This can leave the tooth open to bacterial attack.
- Gum recession: Sometimes gum recession exposes the root of a treated tooth. This increases the sensitivity of the surrounding area
- Tooth loss: Sometimes we have to lose the tooth to protect the treated tooth and its gum area from infection, or because the tooth breaks or cracks.
Rare but serious side effects of root canal therapy:
- Abscess formation: A pocket of pus in the root of the treated tooth. The extraction or drainage of which is very important.
- Cellulitis: Infections or bacteria can also affect the surrounding tissues, which can also cause cellulite.
- Nerve damage: Damage to surrounding nerves during the procedure can also cause pain, numbness, and tingling.
- Sinusitis: This is rare, but sometimes the infection progresses to sinuses, which can also be cause sinusitis.
14 Precautions for root canal therapy:
The root canal therapy procedure requires a few precautions. These measures must be taken before the procedure, during the procedure, and after the procedure. The details of which are as follows.
Pre-Procedure Precautions of root canal therapy:
- Inform Your Dentist About Your Medical History: Tell your dentist about your medical history. Especially about your previous surgeries, allergies, and medications you are taking for various reasons.
- Openly Share Your Anxiety or Fears with Your Dentist: If you are afraid or anxious about the procedure, be sure to let your dentist know so that he or she can reduce your anxiety with medication or relaxation techniques.
- Refrain from Eating and Drinking Before Your Dental Procedure: Follow your dentist’s instructions and avoid eating or drinking prohibited foods and drinks before the procedure, and fast if prescribed by your doctor.
During the Procedure Precautions of root canal therapy:
- Follow instructions Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions Carefully: Follow the dentist’s instructions during the procedure to reduce the chance of infection, minimize your discomfort, and improve the outcome of the procedure.
- Remain Calm, Still, and Relaxed During the Procedure: Stay calm and relaxed during the procedure. So that your movement does not cause the dentist to repeat the procedure.
- Inform Your Dentist Immediately About Any Discomfort: If you feel more pain or feel any kind of discomfort, tell your dentist immediately.
Post-Procedure Precautions of root canal therapy:
- Adhere to Your Dentist’s Pain Management Instructions: Use pain relievers as directed by your dentist. So that you can easily manage the pan.
- Avoid Biting or Chewing on the Treated Tooth: Avoid excessive biting or chewing under the treated tooth until the tooth has been fully restored with a filling or crown.
- A good oral hygiene:Maintain good hygiene of the treated tooth and its surroundings. Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
- Follow-up appointments: Schedule follow-up appointments with your dentist to know if there is any kind of infection and if the teeth are healing completely.
- Self-examination: Watch yourself for symptoms of infection. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of infection, facial swelling, or worsening pain.
Special Precautions of root canal therapy:
- Pregnancy/ Breastfeeding: Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Because your doctor should choose your medicines accordingly as some medicines may not suit you in such conditions.
- Weak Immune system: If a person’s immune system is weak, your doctor should take precautions during your treatment accordingly. Because the chances of infection increase in such people.
- Allergies: If you are allergic to latex, anesthetics or antibiotics, make sure to inform your doctor.
https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-explained/
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