It is not always necessary to take antibiotics after getting root canal therapy in North Edmonton. After root canal treatment, it will take you some time to recover fully. You should avoid eating crispy or hard foods immediately after a root canal. Here are some things that you can expect after getting root canal therapy near you:
What to Expect After a Root Canal
It is normal to feel sensitive in the area for the first couple of days following a root canal as your body begins to heal. These symptoms are temporary and will subside on their own within a few days. Our dentist near you suggests that you take some ibuprofen for about four days after your procedure to help manage the pain. Additionally, you should:
- Avoid eating anything until your numbness has worn off
- Do not chew on anything hard with the treated tooth until your permanent crown has been fixed onto it
- Ensure that you brush and floss your teeth as you normally would
What is the Success Rate for Root Canal Treatment?
If you have gotten root canal therapy from an experienced and professional dentist in North Edmonton, then you can expect your treated tooth to last as long as your natural teeth. You will need to visit our team at Griesbach Dental periodically for checkups and to ensure that your treated tooth is still in good condition.
Rarely, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy does not heal or becomes re-infected. When this happens, you may need to undergo another round of root canal therapy, or you may need to get that tooth extracted and replaced.
Are Antibiotics Necessary After a Root Canal?
It is important that you follow your dentist’s instructions following root canal treatment. Sometimes, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics, but other times, they will hold off. Many people are surprised to find out that the overuse of antibiotics can also cause issues, as bacteria can adapt to resist antibiotics. For this reason, most dentists take a “wait and see” approach when it comes to antibiotics, keeping an eye on the patient and using ibuprofen for pain and fever before prescribing antibiotics.
As a patient, it is important that you understand how antibiotics work. Antibiotics are not a cure, but they re-establish the immune system in the body. Taking antibiotics as a proactive measure won’t do anything to prevent infection, and they should only be taken to help fight off an infection if it should occur.
While antibiotics have been around for nearly a century, they are still being researched extensively, and sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to a low-risk procedure such as root canal therapy. Speak to your dentist about their choice to use antibiotics, and don’t be shy to ask them questions about why they are or are not using them in your specific case.
The Bottom Line
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure that successfully removes infection and saves patients from tooth loss. Depending on your unique situation, antibiotics may be used to help with your healing process. If you have more questions about what to expect after root canal therapy, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Griesbach Dental.
