We know the initial days right after undergoing root canal therapy are challenging for you. The entire process was already painful enough, even with proper anesthesia. And on top of that, the very thought of enduring the pain in the next few days is mind-numbing.
This Is why proper dental aftercare is essential to manage your pain post-therapy. Your dentists may have discussed the ways you can manage pain after a root canal treatment to avoid infections.
Take the proper steps After a root canal procedure for aftercare. Here are some of the essential do’s and don’ts of root canal post-procedure to ensure a faster healing process and maintain good dental health.
What Should You Do After Root Canal Treatment?
Right after the root canal procedure, you need to keep these things in mind.
- Brush and floss our teeth regularly: Even if it’s painful, you must follow your usual oral habits, like brushing and flossing, to avoid any plaque formation. Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay, and you don’t want your repaired tooth to get further damage.
- Check any hypersensitivity: Sensitivity is normal immediately after root canal therapy, but it will reduce and go away within a few days. However, if you feel that it’s too sensitive to bear and that it’s not getting any better even after several weeks, inform your dentist at once.
- Track any tooth or gum swellings: Swelling is a common phenomenon in the first few days post-treatment. But again, it should reduce with time as you start healing. If it doesn’t improve with time, contact your dental professional.
- You can take painkillers or pain relievers: According to dentists at reputed clinics for cosmetic dentistry in Farmington NM, you can take pain-relieving medicines to reduce pain and discomfort after a root canal procedure. The medications will be temporary and should be taken as prescribed by your endodontist. Don’t worry; the pain will go away within a few days.
- Taking antibiotics and/or pain medications as prescribed
What Shouldn’t You Do After Root Canal Treatment?
Among the list of activities you should abstain from doing include –
- Avoid eating immediately after the root canal procedure: After the therapy, your gums may still be numb and prone to bacterial infections. Besides, due to numbness, it’s difficult to eat or chew your food, thus increasing the chances of bad bites and other injuries.
- Avoid brushing your teeth aggressively: After undergoing a root canal procedure, the affected teeth and the nearby gums are still in the recovery process. Always be gentle while brushing your teeth during the initial days after the therapy unless you recover completely.
We know that you are extra careful after the damage, so you want to get rid of any plaque. But aggressive brushing right after the therapy would only make the recovery time longer than usual.
- Don’t have hard or crunchy foods after the root canal: Even if you have resumed your normal life, try to avoid crunchy or hard foods. As mentioned above, the root canal site is still recovering and will take some time. So, unless your dentist permits, avoid these foods for some time.
- Don’t ignore follow-up visits to the dentist: Root canal therapy needs care and regular examination even after the procedure is done. Visit your dentist regularly for follow-up examinations to monitor the recovery stage of the site.
- DON’T ignore any persistent soreness, swelling, or persistent discomfort.
- DON’T smoke or drink alcohol within 48 hours.
Final Words
Root canal treatment processes may be hectic, but if you follow these important dos and don’ts, you can easily manage your pain and discomfort. However, the success of the treatment largely depends on the skills and expertise of the professional.
Therefore, it is recommended that you should visit a trained and experienced dentist or endodontist associated with recognized clinics like Sundance dental in Grants NM, or elsewhere for higher chances of success.