Root canal is one of the most popular and effective dental treatments, and it saves your teeth from infection and decay. Due to improper oral hygiene or other oral conditions, bacteria can invade the mouth and reach the innermost portion of the tooth, called the pulp, leading to an infection. This infection causes extreme pain and warrants an immediate root canal. Although root canals are safe and have higher success rates, they may also cause certain risks.
If your emergency dentist has recommended a root canal or if you wish to learn about root canal risks in general, this blog is for you. It explores the potential risks of a root canal and offers tips on how to prevent them for a smooth and worry-free recovery.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a restorative dental procedure that removes infection from the tooth’s pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that nourish the tooth during development. Once the pulp is infected, symptoms like severe pain, swelling, and gum tenderness often occur.
If left untreated, the infection can worsen, leading to tooth loss or damage to surrounding teeth and gums. A root canal cleans the affected tooth, removes the infected pulp, and seals the tooth to restore its functionality and appearance.
What Happens after a Root Canal Procedure?
Root canal treatment is generally safe; however, you may experience sensitivity, swelling, and soreness for the first few days after the procedure. The risks of a root canal are not very prominent, but some patients may also show allergic reactions or have uneven bites. Most of these symptoms are transient and resolve with time. Hence, it is essential to follow all the instructions given by Norwood Dental Care to ease the discomfort and reduce swelling and pain.
If your symptoms do not resolve even after a prolonged period and make it difficult to carry out daily activities, contact your dentist immediately. The common symptoms that may worsen over time are:
- Persistent pain and pressure lasting up to a few days or weeks.
- Allergic reaction.
- Swelling inside the mouth.
- A filling or crown that is out of balance.
What are Root Canal Risks?
The common root canal risks include:
Sinus Congestion
Root canal treatment can sometimes lead to sinus issues, especially when the procedure involves upper teeth. Fluids from the jaw may leak into the sinus cavity, causing congestion or mild inflammation. While the condition often resolves on its own, persistent symptoms like headaches or discomfort warrant a visit to the dentist.
Reinfection
One of the most common risks of root canal treatment is reinfection. This can occur if the treated tooth isn’t sealed correctly, allowing bacteria to re-enter and cause further infection. To reduce this risk, ensure your dentist uses high-quality materials and techniques for sealing the treated area.
Tooth Cracking
A bacterial infection weakens the structural integrity of the tooth. Although root canals save your teeth from damage, the treated teeth may not be strong enough to withstand pressure. Over time, these teeth may become brittle. In such cases, a crown is attached to the tooth surface to strengthen the outer area.
Allergic Reaction
Some people may also be allergic to materials used in the root canal treatment, including antibiotics or filling material. This allergic reaction may lead to hives, difficulty breathing, swelling, etc. If you experience an allergic reaction, contact your dentist immediately.
How to Prevent Root Canal Risks?
You can prevent root canal complications by following specific after-care instructions, this includes:
- Maintain oral hygiene and keep the area clean to avoid reinfection.
- Avoid chewing immediately after the procedure, as it may further damage the gums.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days after the procedure to prevent gum irritation.
- Use an ice pack on the area to ease pain and swelling.
- Elevate your head while lying down to stop blood from accumulating in the affected area.
- Avoid sticky, hot, crunchy, hard, and spicy foods that can affect the gums and slow healing.
- Visit your dentist frequently, at least twice a year, for routine checkups and cleaning.
Takeaway
Root canal treatment is one effective way to prevent tooth infection. It has high success rates but may also cause certain complications. To avoid root canal risks, follow oral hygiene, avoid biting on hard or sticky foods, and visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings.
Get Root Canal Treatment from Experts at Norwood Dental Care
At Norwood Dental Care, our experienced endodontists are dedicated to providing high-quality care and guidance throughout your root canal journey. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking for advice on preventing root canal risks, we’re here to help.Schedule an appointment today or contact us at (781) 805-3476. You can also visit us at 47 Central St, Norwood, MA 02062