Root Canal Aftercare: What to Expect

‍

Root canals are common procedures designed to clean the canals of the tooth which can lead to irritation of the nerve and gums. Because of this, some pain after the procedure can be expected and is completely normal.

It is important to take the right precautions after having a root canal to ensure the area heals and you are able to manage your pain effectively to reduce discomfort. Here are some things you can expect after a root canal and a few aftercare tips that can help.

The Root Canal Recovery Process

The root canal procedure begins by numbing the area, so right after it’s done you will likely not feel a thing. Once the anesthesia wears off some hours later, you may begin to feel mild pain and discomfort. This should wear down in a few days, though you can still experience mild sensitivity when you eat as the treated tooth presses against the food while you chew.

The pain is usually easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. You might also need to avoid chewing on the site of the treated tooth until it fully heals, and eat soft foods to avoid more pain.

However, if the pain lasts for more than a few days, you should call your dentist for a follow-up appointment.

Tips That Can Help Root Canal Recovery

The best thing you can do to ensure swift root canal recovery is to stay on top of your oral hygiene routine. This also has an effect on your long-term oral health and could help you avoid the need for more extensive dental procedures down the line.

Some dental hygiene elements to focus on can include:

• Proper Brushing Technique - Brush at least 2 times a day using circular motions to help remove food particles and debris from your teeth. You should also floss at least once a day to clean the areas your toothbrush cannot reach;
  

• Don’t Rinse with Water After Brushing - Rinsing with water will remove fluoride from the mouth, an important substance for your dental health. If you feel the need to rinse, use a fluoride mouthwash instead of plain water;
  

• Watch Your Diet - If you eat a lot of sweets or snacks frequently, your dental health can be impacted. To protect your teeth, try to reduce the amount of candy or sugary drinks you eat and rinse the mouth after enjoying any snacks to remove lingering food particles;
  

• See the Dentist Regularly - Preventative care services that include professional cleaning and dental screenings can help maintain your long-term oral health.
  

Schedule a Root Canal Visit at Sarasota Bay Dental

If you have an infected tooth and think you might need a root canal procedure, we at Sarasota Bay Dental can help.

Book an appointment with Dr. Robert Miller today and stop by our practice to get your tooth inspected and find out more about how to improve your oral health.