Thanks to modern dental technology, root canals are no longer something to fear. In fact, more than an estimated 15 million teeth are saved every year thanks to a root canal procedure.1 But if this is your first root canal, working alongside a trusted dentist in Mobile, AL, to understand what to do and avoid after the procedure can give you peace of mind. Here are three things to do and three things to avoid after a root canal procedure to ensure a speedy recovery.
Take pain medication as prescribed.
While you’ll generally receive anesthetics to alleviate discomfort during the procedure, you may feel pain afterward. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication or advise on the best over-the-counter pain reliever. Even if you don’t feel pain initially, it’s advisable to take pain medication as prescribed so it doesn’t sneak up on you later.
Rinse with warm salt water.
A salt water rinse can help reduce swelling and fight infection after an invasive procedure like a root canal. If your dentist recommends a salt water rinse, be sure to swish gently so as not to damage the affected tooth.
Apply a cold compress.
A cold compress on the face and jaw can help keep swelling down and relieve pain. Check with your dentist to determine the appropriate time to use the cold compress. For example, your dentist may recommend you use the compress for ten minutes, then take a twenty-minute break.
Avoid hot or cold food and drinks.
In the days following a root canal procedure, the affected tooth may be more sensitive to heat and cold. To alleviate potential discomfort, avoid cold smoothies or hot soups for a few days until the area has healed.
Avoid chewing on the treated tooth.
You’ll likely want to opt for soft foods in the days following a root canal and avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods. And given the root canal cost, avoiding certain foods is a small price to pay in comparison. But even on a soft diet, you’ll still need to closely monitor your chewing to ensure you don’t bite down too hard on the affected tooth.
Avoid smoking.
Smoking of any sort in the days following a root canal can slow down the natural healing process and potentially introduce an infection in the mouth. Abstaining from smoking until your dentist gives you the all-clear is likely your best option to ensure a smooth recovery.
The bottom line
While many patients will recover in less than a week following a root canal procedure, it won’t hurt to prioritize health-promoting activities in the days right after. Pain medication and cold compresses can help relieve pain, while a saltwater rinse may help reduce the chance of infection. Avoiding hot or cold foods, not chewing on the affected tooth, and abstaining from smoking can help further reduce the possibility of complications. For more tips on root canal recovery, consult your local Mobile dentist.
Source:
1 American Association of Endodontists – Root Canal Explained
Image by Tribute Family Dentistry from Pixabay
The editorial staff of Medical News Bulletin had no role in the preparation of this post. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the advertiser and do not reflect those of Medical News Bulletin. Medical News Bulletin does not accept liability for any loss or damages caused by the use of any products or services, nor do we endorse any products, services, or links in our Sponsored Articles
