Root canals involve cleaning out the infected pulp area inside your tooth root. During the procedure the bacteria is removed, and the area is sealed to prevent future bacteria from entering. Root canals can save your teeth, and in some cases a crown is placed on top to restore the tooth.
Any dental procedure involves recovery, and patients may experience some pain. At Lompoc OMS, we offer many endodontic treatments, and our doctors have years of experience with root canal therapy. We strive to provide quality dental care, in a friendly and relaxing environment. When patients visit our office, we want them to feel like family and know they are in good hands.

How Can I Sooth Severe Pain During the Recovery Period?

Once the local anesthetic wears off after your root canal procedure, you may have mild pain or sensitivity. The pain should only last a few days. If you experience severe pain, or think you may have a complication, we encourage you to come back to be seen right away.

Over the counter medications are usually recommended to help with pain during healing. Our staff will discuss at-home care, and we recommend a soft food diet after your root canal. Once you have recovered you can resume eating normally.

Tips to Soothe Pain During Recovery

In addition to over-the-counter pain medication there are some things patients can do at home to help sooth their pain during recovery.

  • Use an ice pack for immediate pain relief on your jaw near the tooth. This can also help with inflammation.
  • Patients can gargle with salt water a few times a day to help soothe pain.
  • Cucumbers placed on the area in your mouth can help the pain and feel refreshing.
  • Olive oil on a cotton ball placed on the area in your mouth can help reduce pain.
  • You can mix salt and pepper with a little water to form a paste. Applying this to the area can help sooth pain. Salt and pepper have anti-inflammatory properties.

If pain persists and does not improve after a few days we recommend contacting our office. We will have you come in as soon as possible to examine the area, and check for complications such as infection. Most patients recover normally and complications are rare.

Interested in Finding Out More About Root Canal Therapy?

If you are interested in finding out how you can benefit from root canal therapy, contact Lompoc OMS, and our staff will be happy to schedule your appointment.

If you recently had oral surgery and are recovering, or just found out you need oral surgery, you may wonder how the healing process will go. Many ask how long the stitches will last after the procedure. Whether you had a tooth extracted, or have had another type of oral surgery, taking care of yourself after recovery and following the post-procedure instructions is important.

What Can I Expect After My Oral Surgery?

After any oral surgery, you will notice swelling or inflammation around the mouth or area involved in the procedure. This is normal and will last 3-4 days after the surgery. After this time the swelling should subside. Stitches are a big concern to patients, and many do not realize the stitches are typically dissolvable. Most sutures will dissolve or fall out on their own after 2-7 days.

 

Depending on the procedure and the number of stitches required will determine how long they will take to dissolve. Different types of sutures may take up to two weeks or more to dissolve. Before you begin your surgery, our team will discuss what your procedure requires, and what you can expect during recovery. Our team will review what type of suture is required for your procedure, and let you know how long you can expect the stitches to last.

What Other Things Should I Watch Out for During Recovery?

After any oral surgery, you may also notice some bleeding around the area. This should subside after 48-72 hours. We recommend using gauze with pressure to help stop the bleeding, and repeat as the bleeding continues. If the bleeding does not subside after 72 hours, or you have prolonged pain we encourage you to contact our office right away. If pain medications are prescribed, patients should make sure to take their medication as directed to help with the recovery. Nausea is common after anesthesia, and if you start to feel nauseous, please try eating. If eating does not help along with the medication you are taking, please call our office.

Interested in Finding Out More About Oral Surgery?

If you are interested in finding out more about oral surgery and would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Lompoc OMS. Our doctors have years of experience in oral surgery and welcome new patients to our practice. We create a comfortable and relaxed environment for our patients and always provide the very best care. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and our doctors offer the latest techniques and surgical procedures to our patients. When you visit Lompoc OMS, you know you are in good hands.

To schedule an appointment with us, contact Lompoc OMS, and our staff will be happy to assist you.