Because a root canal removes the interior portion of your tooth, the tooth structure will be altered and weakened following the root canal procedure. So, special care is a must:
- Proper diet is recommended. Avoid crunchy or hard food (nuts, hard candy,…). Do not eat or drink hot, cold…
- You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist.
- Practice good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing, flossing
- Regular checkups for professional cleanings.
- When endodontically treated tooth discoloration occurs, you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible.
Though you may experience a slightly different sensation from your treated tooth than your other teeth for some time, you should contact your endodontist immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe pain or pressure lasting more than a few days
- Prolonged swelling around treated tooth
- Your bite feels uneven
- An allergic reaction to medication (rash, hives or itching)
Maintaining proper care is key factor of longevity of endodontically treated tooth. In fact, treated tooth can last as long as other natural teeth. In some cases, teeth that went through endodontic treatment turn out badly, fail to heal while some other patients experience painful or diseased treated teeth months or even years after successful treatment. When these cases unfortunately occurs, the endodontic procedure can be redone to save the tooth.
New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked or broken filling can cause unusual infection in your tooth. The endodontist may rarely discover additional very narrow or curved canals that are left untreated during the first procedure.
