Recovering After Root Canal

In some cases, our patients dislike particular treatments much more than others. While this is normal, as we all have likes and dislikes, the one remedy which is nearly universally feared and disliked is the root canal. We even have patients who have never experienced a root canal tell us that they do not like the therapy.

Unfortunately, modern root canals still carry the stigma and fearsome reputation of root canals of years past. While some aspects are still the same; we have advances which vastly improve the procedure as well as your recovery. The primary cause of excessive pain often associated with a root canal is the inability to adequately numb the area of a patient’s mouth which needed treatment. The numbing was difficult because in most cases the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the tooth were decaying or dead. By improving the precision with anesthetics, our root canal dentist in Huntington Beach can deliver proper pain relief where it is needed. This makes the entire process much more comfortable for our patients.

After your root canal is over, there are some things you can do to make your recovery better such as:

• Plan to rest after your root canal. If it is at all possible, schedule your root canal for a time when you are able to clear your schedule for at least a day, although a few days is even better.

• Stock your pantry with soft, easy to eat foods that require little preparation. Yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes, pudding, and macaroni and cheese are a few examples of these. You can make your own list of favorites, but be sure to avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods after a root canal.

• Use an ice pack to help relieve pain and swelling from the area near your root canal.

• Take your pain medication as directed. Many dentists hear that their patient had terrible pain, but then later find out that the patient did not take their medication as prescribed.

As you can see, it is possible to recover from a root canal. If you would like to hear more tips about root canal recovery, please contact our office, and we would happily get information for you.

Is TMJ Treatable?

Our office sees numerous patients who struggle with temporomandibular joint pain. Many have suffered for years and hold little hope that our dentists can help treat this disorder. We would like to offer encouragement to those who endure that pain; temporomandibular joint pain is treatable.

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located on either side of your head, just below each ear, and connects your jawbone to your skull. To work, the TMJ merges a hinge motion with gliding movements. This action allows you to open and close your jaws. There are many reasons patients experience temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) some are genetically predisposed to problems, others suffer because of arthritis in the joint, and some people develop problems after an accident involving the face. Occasionally, our TMJ dentist sees patients with no apparent cause for their pain.

There is hope for patients who have TMJ disorder. Our dental office in Huntington Beach offers helpful treatments to relieve pain and swelling. There are three treatment categories: medications, non-drug therapies, and surgical (or other) procedures.

MEDICATIONS:
Often, our TMJ patients get little or no relief from over the counter pain relievers. This is when our dentist prescribes stronger medications such as prescription strength non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Occasionally, our dentist prescribes muscle relaxing medications. These are generally for short-term use.

NON-DRUG THERAPIES:
These treatments often include a regimen which alternates moist heat and ice as well as jaw exercises to strengthen the muscles. Sometimes, patients benefit from mouth guards which they wear at night. The belief is that these prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching during sleep.

SURGICAL OR OTHER PROCEDURES:
Surgical intervention is the last course of action for our TMJ patients. Prior to open-joint surgery, our dentist will use other options such as corticosteroid injections. Additionally, our dentist may use arthrocentesis, a treatment where a small needle injects fluid into the joint clearing away debris. Arthroscopic surgery and open-joint surgery are used to correct structural problems with the temporomandibular joint.

If you struggle with TMJ disorder, do not despair, contact our office to learn specific ways we can help you.