Finding out that you need a root canal can be nerve-racking. Caring for the treated tooth can be even more stressful. Knowing what to do after the treatment can help you prepare well for it. Here are some tips for a smooth and quick recovery after your root canal.
The patient must wait to eat as soon as the procedure is over. The anesthesia will still be in effect for hours after the procedure. Eating and drinking will be okay when the numbness fades. The patient should not chew on the treated tooth until the tenderness diminishes.
Place a cold compress on the side of the treated tooth after the root canal. Research shows that cold therapy reduces swelling and pain. Wrap the ice pack in a towel and place it on the cheek for about 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat this treatment many times a day.
The dentist will prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers after the root canal. Follow the strict directions when taking them. These medications will reduce the swelling and pain. They will also prevent the onset of infection.
Healing is important after every surgery. A root canal is an invasive procedure. Take a day or two of complete rest. Doing so will allow the body to pour resources into healing the mouth well.
A warm salt solution can help keep the mouth bacteria- and debris-free. It can also keep the gums healthy as the tooth heals after the root canal. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Remember to be gentle when gargling.
Studies reveal that tobacco and alcoholic drinks impair proper blood oxygenation and circulation. These substances can prevent the root canal-treated tooth from healing right away. They can even increase one’s risk of infection. It is ideal to quit consuming these products if the patient will undergo any oral surgery.
Eat soft foods for the first three days after the root canal. These foods will prevent the patient from damaging or putting pressure on the treated tooth. It is ideal to stock up on these foods before the procedure. Soups, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes are common examples of soft foods.
Some people grind their teeth at night or during stressful times. This habit can harm the root canal-treated tooth. The dentist can provide a custom-fit nightguard. Wearing this dental device at night can protect the said tooth from damage.
It is important to see the dentist at the recommended times after the root canal. The visits will enable the dentist to keep an eye on the tooth’s healing. These checkups also ensure that the tooth receives proper treatment. The dentist will be able to address any problem that may arise during recovery.
Every general dentist aims to keep the tooth intact. A root canal is one way to achieve this goal. It may be invasive, but it relieves pain and keeps the tooth intact. Working with your provider can help you recover well and enjoy your smile for years.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mediacenterdental.com or call Media Center Dental at (818) 473-1133 for an appointment in our Burbank office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal in Burbank, CA.
Root canal therapy is a commonly performed dental treatment that is used to treat infection or swelling of the pulp tissues inside a tooth. A tooth’s pulp is the blood vessels and nerves in its innermost layer called the pulp chamber. It is sealed off from the rest of a tooth to protect its sensitive…
A dentist might recommend root canal therapy if you have a badly damaged, decayed, or infected tooth. The procedure targets narrow openings at the roots of teeth – called canals – that contain nerve fibers and blood vessels that provide sensation and nutrients to teeth.These nerves play an important role in the development and health…
Root canal treatment enables dentists to save severely damaged, decayed, or infected teeth. The procedure is typically recommended when a tooth has a compromised pulp chamber. The pulp chamber is the innermost layer of a tooth, and it contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Tooth decay and damage can leave this part of a…
Finding out what root canal therapy involves is something any dental patient who needs to undergo this commonly performed procedure needs to do. Asking a general dentist about root canals allows patients to get correct information, as well as ask any additional questions they have. One of the more common questions is how many dental…
If you are thinking of replacing a lost tooth with dental implants, you will probably…
In recent years, clear braces have been a preferred method of straightening teeth. People of…
A dental implant is the gold standard in dental restorations. It can replace an entire…
Preventive dentistry professionals recommend replacing a toothbrush every three to four months.
A loose dental filling occurs when the adhesive material that holds the filling in place…
Children and adults alike should make regular trips to the dentist to maintain good oral…
