Have you just had a root canal, or are you scheduled to get a root canal, and you’re thinking, “What do I need to know before or right after to ensure a smooth recovery?”
I’m Dr. Rachel Miro, a dentist here at Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists, and today I’m going to go over with you some root canal recovery tips.
Managing Discomfort
Medication
The first thing that I always like to tell patients is that you might have a little bit of discomfort after the root canal. Usually, if you can take Tylenol and Advil, you can alternate those two, and that usually tends to be enough to deal with the minimal discomfort you might have after getting your root canal. That being said, you should always consult your doctor if you feel like the pain is excessive.
Dietary Considerations
Softer Diet
After you get a root canal, remember that your tooth just underwent a significant procedure. To help with the discomfort, stay away from hard candies, nuts, and similar foods. If you can stick to a softer diet for about 48 hours after your root canal, it will definitely help with the recovery process.
Oral Hygiene
Brushing and Flossing
Something we should always be doing, but especially important after a root canal, is to make sure we keep that area clean. We want to ensure that any infection present before the procedure doesn’t progress. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics after your procedure, make sure to take them as instructed. Additionally, make sure you are brushing and flossing the area thoroughly.
If you don’t brush your teeth twice a day right now, this is definitely a good time to start.
Additional Tips for Comfort
Cold Compresses
Many patients find relief using cold compresses after root canals, and this is definitely okay. If you feel that a cold compress helps ease your discomfort, you can certainly use it.
Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol
Another important tip is to avoid smoking and alcohol after a root canal. Often, teeth that require root canals have had infections, and you want to ensure that your body and immune system are in the best possible condition for the healing process.
Follow-Up Appointments
Importance of Follow-Ups
Usually, after a root canal, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with either your endodontist, who performed the root canal, or your dentist, who will be doing your crown. Make sure you attend these appointments and stay on top of the tooth’s condition. These follow-ups are crucial to check your healing progress and to ensure there are no complications.
Conclusion
By following these recovery tips and maintaining good oral hygiene, you should be on your way to a quick recovery after your root canal. I’m Dr. Rachel Miro, and I’m here to help you watch your mouth.