Whether you need a root canal or follow-up care, Dr. Matthew Bridges and the Chisholm Trail Smile Center team are here for you. So, contact our restorative dentist in Duncan, OK, at (580) 255-4880 for comprehensive care now!

In this post, Dr. Bridges talks about why following care instructions after a root canal matters and what can go wrong if you skip them!

The First 24 Hours Matter Most

After a root canal, your tooth and surrounding tissues are still healing. Your mouth might feel sore, sensitive, or slightly swollen. That’s totally normal.

But here’s the deal: if you don’t follow your dentist’s advice – like avoiding hard foods or skipping your pain meds – healing can take longer, or worse, get off track.

Skipping Meds? That’s a No-No

Pain relievers and antibiotics (if prescribed) help reduce inflammation and fight off infection. Ignoring them can lead to complications like swelling, pain, or even another infection.

After a root canal what happens when you skip meds? You risk undoing all that amazing dental work.

Eating the Wrong Foods Can Crack Your Tooth

Crunchy snacks and chewy treats are a bad idea right after treatment. Until you get a crown or permanent filling, your tooth is fragile.

After a root canal what happens if you bite into something hard? You might crack the tooth and need more dental work. Yikes!

Delaying the Final Crown Is a Common Mistake

Dr. Bridges may place a temporary filling first. But it’s just that – temporary! You’ll need a crown to seal and protect the tooth for the long haul.

After a root canal what happens if you wait too long? The tooth can break or become re-infected, and you may need another root canal (or worse – an extraction).

Poor Oral Hygiene = Bigger Problems

You still have to brush and floss every day. No skipping! A root canal treats infection inside the tooth, but you still need to keep your gums and other teeth healthy.

After a root canal what happens if you slack on hygiene? Bacteria can sneak in and cause new problems in the same tooth or nearby ones.

Skipping Your Follow-Up? Not a Good Idea

Follow-up visits let Dr. Bridges check healing and plan the final restoration. If something’s wrong, he can catch it early.

After a root canal what happens if you skip that check-in? You may not notice a problem until it’s already serious.

Schedule a Root Canal or Follow-up at Chisholm Trail Smile Center

Evidence suggests that root canals have an approximate success rate of 90%. But after a root canal what happens depends on YOU. So, follow Dr. Bridges’ instructions, attend your follow-ups, and treat your tooth with care. That’s how you make sure your root canal is successful.

Want to keep that tooth strong and happy? Let Chisholm Trail Smile Center help! Call us at (580) 255-4880 or click here to ask us any questions or schedule an appointment.

The post After a Root Canal What Happens If You Don’t Follow Care Instructions? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Whether you require a simple cleaning or a more complex root canal in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges and the Chisholm Trail Smile Center team are here for you. Call us at (580) 255-4880 for personalized, gentle care now!

If you’ve been told you need a root canal in Duncan, OK, here’s everything you should know to feel confident and prepared.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment that addresses internal tooth decay and damage. Deep inside your tooth, there’s a soft substance that contains nerves and blood vessels. If this substance becomes infected due to decay or injury, it can cause serious pain and swelling. 

A root canal in Duncan, OK, removes internal dental infections, cleans the space inside teeth, and seals the tooth to prevent future issues.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal in Duncan, OK

How do you know if a root canal is in your future? Look out for these common symptoms:

• Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity
• Swollen or tender gums near the affected tooth
• A small, pimple-like bump on your gum
• Discoloration of the tooth.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to visit Dr. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center.

The Root Canal Procedure: What to Expect

One of the biggest myths about root canals is that they’re immensely painful. Thanks to modern dentistry techniques, that’s simply not true! Here’s what happens during the procedure:

• Numbing the Area: Dr. Bridges will use a local anesthetic and sedation to ensure you’re completely comfortable.
• Cleaning the Tooth: Dr. Bridges cleans the tooth by removing the infection and sanitizing it thoroughly.
• Filling and Sealing: Our team fills the empty space with a specialized putty to seal the tooth and prevent reinfection.
• Restoration: To strengthen the tooth, Dr. Bridges may place a crown or filling.

Most patients find that getting a root canal is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling!

Root Canal Aftercare Tips

Once your root canal is complete, you’ll need to follow some simple care tips:

• Don’t chew on the treated tooth until Dr. Bridges places a permanent crown
• Brush and floss as usual to maintain good oral hygiene
• Schedule follow-up appointments to ensure the tooth heals properly

With proper care, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.

Schedule a Pain-free Root Canal in Duncan, OK

If you’ve been dreading the idea of a root canal in Duncan, OK, it’s time to put those fears to rest. With advanced technology and expert care, the procedure is straightforward, comfortable, and highly effective. Think of it as a second chance for your tooth!

Have questions or concerns? Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center here, or ring us today at (580) 255-4880 for more details.

The post What to Know Before Getting a Root Canal in Duncan, OK appeared first on Chisholm Trail.