Tips for Keeping Your Children’s Teeth Healthy

Posted on: 23 June 2021

Pain is one of life's greatest deterrents. If you tell someone they'll experience pain if they do something, they'll probably avoid it. Any procedure close to the face is always hard to agree to. Root canals are no different, as people have the perception that these procedures are painful. Some years ago, they would have been right, but medical technology has improved. 

Also, endodontists have improved pain management to help patients deal with the pain. And in most cases, a root canal is painless and hassle-free. Therefore, don't wait to see a dentist; instead, seek medical attention for your teeth. 

Will You Experience Pain After the Procedure?

Since the procedure was smooth and painless, what happens when you leave the hospital? You can expect to experience some pain and slight discomfort after the root canal. It's a major procedure, so pain is part of recovery. 

The pain will be mild or moderate, and if it gets worse, you'll need to consult your dentist. The pain should subside after several days, and the dentist will prescribe over-the-counter pain meds to help ease your pain. 

Ideally, you should avoid hard foods, as they'll only worsen the pain. Also, the pain should decrease, and if it increases over time, you'll need to go back to your dentist for assistance. If the pain medication isn't helping, be sure to tell your dentist or endodontist. They can recommend that you take prescription-strength pain medication such as narcotic pain relievers. 

Can You Pull the Tooth Instead of a Root Canal?

If you're afraid of root canals, you'll often have two options; you can let the tooth be or pull it. The first option sounds great, but you'll have to deal with the constant pain, inflammation, and bleeding. 

The second option is easier; you'll have the tooth pulled and never deal with pain again. While all this sounds great, you might want to reconsider the root canal. Dental experts always recommend saving natural teeth if you have the option to do so. 

You don't have to get rid of your decayed tooth when you can save it via a root canal. What about the pain? You'll experience little to no pain, and when you do, it's during the recovery period. Take your meds and ensure you maintain healthy teeth. 

However, several circumstances warrant teeth extraction. For example, if your tooth is severely cracked, especially below the gumline, extracting it is the best option. Contact a dentist to learn more about root canals.