By Dr Yao Xu DDS (Minnesota) General Dental Surgeon

Root canal treatment (endodontic procedure) is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth. The infection is caused by bacteria that live in the mouth and invade the tooth. This can happen after tooth decay, leaky fillings, or damage to teeth as a result of trauma, such as a fall. Following a root canal treatment procedure, patients need to pay attention to some aspects during the recovery and aftercare period. At Pure NZ Dental, Singapore, we inform our patients of the following:

• Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?
  • One of the most common concerns about root canal treatment that patients have is the pain that is associated with the procedure. Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anaesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure, and discomfort typically improves within several days.
  • For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
  • Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, call your dentist.

• Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment after root canal treatment?
  • You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored fully by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible.
  • Continue to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings.

• What causes an endodontically treated tooth to need additional treatment?
  • Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, redoing endodontic treatment may save the tooth.
  • New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked or broken filling can cause new infection in your tooth. In some cases, the dentist may discover additional very narrow or curved canals that could not be treated during the initial procedure.