After your root canal treatment, you might experience some tenderness or sensitivity. This discomfort can last for up to a few days after your procedure. It’s rare, however, to experience prolonged sensitivity after a root canal. But, if you do continue to feel pain, here are a few tips to help relieve discomfort:
Call your dentist if you continue to experience pain after your procedure.
Apply an ice pack to soothe and calm the pain.
Take an over-the-counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen to help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Try a saltwater gargle. Saltwater can help fight infection after root canals and ease the pain. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, and gargle two to three times a day.
· Sleep with elevated pillows. Elevating your head prevents your gums and nerves from throbbing.
Importance of crown or cap after root canal treatment:
Restore a Fragile Tooth
A tooth can turn more fragile after the root canal treatment due to tooth-drilling, cavity or infection. A durable dental crown can protect this tooth and make it long-lasting while preventing any damage.
Protect a Tooth from Sensitivity
Following root canal therapy, some of the existing nerves may develop extra sensitivity to heat and cold which can be very uncomfortable. This is another reason why a dental crown is needed to protect a tooth after the root canal procedure.
Retain a Natural-Looking Color
Some teeth change color after a root canal treatment. If a tooth appears grayed or deeply stained, a dental crown can offer a more natural appearance and whiter shade to match the remaining teeth.
Prevent Infections
The affected tooth surface is at a higher risk of infection and contamination post a root canal therapy. A dental crown will protect the tooth by sealing it off from dangerous leakage to avoid recontamination so that you do not need to undergo a tooth extraction.
Provide a Back-Up Security
A tooth that previously had a filling due to extensive decay and got chipped or fractured before the root canal treatment, or if it’s in a high traffic area should necessarily be restored with a dental crown.