If you get an infection in your jaw or the root of your tooth, your dentist may tell you that you need to get a root canal so that they can reach the infection and get it out. If you have to have one, then you might want to know what to expect so that you can be prepared. 

Numb Mouth

Your mouth is going to be numb for at least the rest of the day, and you may still have some numbness the day after. That means that you are going to want to avoid anything hot because you could hurt yourself badly without even knowing it. You may also want to avoid eating anything that is really crunchy or needs a lot of chewing, because you may end up biting yourself. Eating things like yogurt, cottage cheese, and milkshakes will fill you up and help to avoid problems. 

Pain

You will likely be in some pain for a few days after your procedure. It shouldn't be that bad, but how much it hurts depends on a lot of things. For example, if you have a high pain tolerance, you may find that it's not that bad. Also, the severity of decay and infection can make the pain worse. Generally, you should be able to control the pain or discomfort with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If your pain or discomfort lasts for more than a couple of weeks or it starts to get worse, you should immediately call your dentist. That can be a sign that there is some kind of problem and you should have your mouth checked soon so that you don't end up needing to have more procedures done. 

Heat/Cold Sensitivity

You will probably have some added sensitivity in the area. That includes added heat or cold sensitivity. You may not have had problems with it before, but it can develop. There are different kinds of toothpastes that you can use that can help with the sensitivity issue. If you try those out and you are still having problems, your dentist may be able to help you with that and give you a prescription for something that helps control the temperature sensitivity so that you can eat more comfortably. 

Getting a root canal may be a necessity. If it is, then you may want to know what you should expect afterward so that you can prepare accordingly. For more information, contact local professionals like Top Dental.