5 Tips to Follow After Root Canal Treatment

If your dentist has told you that you need a root canal, you are not alone– there are 15 million root canal procedures performed annually in the United States. A root canal occurs when there is an infection at the base of a tooth, which can spread to your gums and other teeth, rotting them. This procedure is a crucial step to keeping all of your teeth healthy and intact.

What once was something painful to fear, new advances in dental technology make root canals much safer and quicker than they have been in the past. Root canal aftercare is an incredibly important part of every procedure.

What are the steps to root canal recovery?

If you require a root canal soon or have recently had one performed, learn how to care for it correctly with these five easy root canal recovery tips.

Wait to Eat

Hungry after your operation? Wait to eat until the numbness from the localized anesthesia wears off to avoid biting your tongue or gums.

Take Pain Medication

The first way to take care of your root canal is to minimize the pain you’re experiencing. Your dentist is likely to suggest acetaminophen or other pain medications to reduce the natural swelling in your gums. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also helpful for reducing swelling in your gums.

Keep it Clean

After a root canal, keep the affected area clean with light brushing and flossing. Gently rinsing out your mouth is another step you can take to keep your mouth healthy and clean. This is an integral part of preventing your infection from spreading.

Eat Smart

For the first few days after your procedure, avoid crunchy foods. They can damage any temporary fillings that your dentist may have placed to keep your gums healthy. With any diet, try to avoid biting down using the tooth in question, as it can lead to pain and possibly remove the temporary cap.

Contact Your Dentist in Lake Jackson, TX

If you have pain that lasts more than a few days, or swelling that worsens with time, contact your dentist. These may be symptoms of a new infection– one that requires immediate attention.

Here at All Smiles Dentistry, we offer one of the most pain-free experiences for a root canal in Lake Jackson, Texas. Want more root canal recovery tips, or to schedule an initial consultation appointment? Visit our website for more information about what to expect and to make an appointment online.

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Featured Image By: Getty Images / Valerii Apetroaiei