Contrary to popular belief, root canals are nothing to be scared of. They’re actually a fairly common and relatively easy procedure used to repair decayed teeth. Nonetheless, a root canal does require a short recovery period and can leave the patient with some pain and discomfort. Proper care after the surgery is essential to achieving a quick and full recovery.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that aims to repair an infected or otherwise damaged tooth. Rather than remove the tooth, in a root canal, the inflamed pulp in the tooth is taken out and the inside of the tooth cleaned. Then, a filling is inserted into the tooth cavity to close off the space.
If you have recurring tooth pain that won’t go away, increased sensitivity to heat or cold, or swollen gums, these may be signs that you are experiencing tooth decay that requires intervention.
Recovery from a Root Canal
Following a root canal, you may experience pain or discomfort. These symptoms most often occur during the first 24 hours after the procedure, but can last for up to a week.
Here are five ways to take care of yourself and your teeth after the root canal to ensure good dental health:
- Take it Easy: It can be tempting to rush back into your daily activity after leaving the dentist’s chair, but even if you’re feeling great, your mouth needs time to recover. Avoiding intensive physical activity, for at least the first day, will give your teeth and gums time to recover.
- Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication: While some people experience only minor discomfort after a root canal, others suffer from stronger feelings of pain. This pain is typically from inflammation of the supporting tissue around the tooth. Over-the-counter NSAIDS like Advil that can help ease this pain.
- Drink Lots of Fluids: Staying hydrated is essential to recovery as it helps your body function at its highest level and facilitates healing. It also helps prevent any dryness in your mouth that you may feel after the surgery.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Your mouth has been through enough—it doesn’t need the added stress of chewing hard foods. Sticking to soft options while your mouth recovers will avoid putting too much stress on your teeth.
- Follow Instructions: While all these tips are good general advice, each person’s recovery is different. Your dentist will give you more specific instructions based on your personal circumstances. Following these directives closely is the best path to recovery.
Contact Temple Family Dentistry
Please fill out the form below or, if you have questions about root canals or any other aspect of your dental health, Temple Family Dentistry is here to help. Give us a call today at (610) 929-4252 or fill out the form below to find out more. Our team will be happy to assist you.