Beyond short-term pain relief: How we partner with you to support the long-term success of root canal treatment

Root canal therapy is designed to get you out of pain – and to help you stay that way. By removing the source of the infection inside the tooth, Dr. Bindu Kolli of SouthFork Dental treats the underlying problem. So, Dr. Kolli provides more than mere “symptom relief” to her valued patients in Plano, Frisco, and Irving, Texas, and the surrounding area.

What to expect 

We will go over everything about the process prior to your appointment. Generally, pain medications are administered before accessing the damaged tissues and treating your tooth. Dr. Kolli may also prescribe antibiotics to help to get the infection under control. By opening up the tooth, painful pressure is relieved. 

It is not unusual to experience a tender sensation as the numbing anesthetic wears off. You may have lingering soreness for a few days, too. Dr. Kolli can advise on ways to manage post-treatment discomfort. It is also not unusual for the treated tooth to feel slightly “off” or different from the others for a few days. 

Now, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to call us right away. Some of these symptoms are likely familiar, as they may have been what led you to contact us in the first place! They include:

• Persistent pain
• Noticeably swollen areas 
• Unexplained rashes or hives
• An uneven “bite” when you close your mouth and the opposing teeth touch each other  

Additionally, the temporary crown or restoration placed to protect the treatment site is generally more fragile than its permanent counterpart. If it breaks or falls out, call us right away. We want to ensure your tooth is properly protected.

What to do 

Dr. Kolli encourages you to take great care when brushing and flossing the area around the tooth at first. It’s also advised to chew sticky, hard, or otherwise “tricky” foods on the other side of your mouth. Use this as an opportunity to kick a bad habit! Smoking, vaping, and the use of other tobacco or nicotine products interfere with healing and do not support a healthy mouth or a healthy body. 

It is critical to maintain follow-up visits, as advised by Dr. Kolli. Notably, be sure to receive your permanent crown promptly. This crown strengthens the treated tooth. It helps to ensure the long-term health of the tooth. 

In all, 9 out of 10 root canal-treated teeth need no further treatment; however, no single treatment is 100% successful. By following any instructions we provide, we can work together to minimize the risk of complications that could threaten the healing and the lasting health of your restored tooth. 

Call the Irving and Plano/Frisco, TX offices of SouthFork Dental at 972-544-5446 or 469-535-6939, respectively, to schedule your consultation. We may be able to “save” your damaged tooth!