Root canals become necessary when a tooth becomes infected to the point of decay. To prevent further damage to the rest of your teeth, you’ll need to visit your dentist, who will clean and seal the infected tooth.
While painful, root canals are quite common. It’s believed that around 15 million root canals are performed annually, so you have nothing to worry about.
To make the process even easier, make sure to follow these root canal aftercare tips.
Eat Soft, Warm Foods
You might not feel up to eating much after your procedure. Don’t worry, it’s common.
Still, you’ll need to get something in your system if you’re taking pain medication.
Since your teeth will be sensitive post-surgery, meals shouldn’t be too hot, cold, or crunchy. Some foods you can enjoy include:
- Oatmeal
- Pasta
- Rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Grits
Food should be about room temperature before you consume it.
Don’t Drink Through a Straw
Staying hydrated is always a good idea. Proper hydration can keep your energy up, help you heal faster, keep harmful bacteria away from the afflicted tooth.
With that said, ditch the straw.
The suction effect created by straws can cause the material around your tooth to tear out. Aside from being incredibly painful, this can put you at greater risk of infection.
Brush Carefully
As always, brushing is a vital component of keeping your mouth clean. You’ll want to be a little gentler though, as excessive brushing can lead to bleeding.
Use a brush with softer bristles and don’t forget to rinse.
Keep an Eye out for Side Effects
In most instances, root canal aftercare is a basic process involving regular oral hygiene maintenance. However, in rare circumstances, complications can arise.
Pain, for instance, is quite common, at least for a few days after the procedure. However, if the pain becomes extreme or lasts more than a week, it might be necessary to seek medical treatment.
If you’re taking any medications, including pain medications for surgery recovery, have someone close by for the first day or so in case things go awry. This is especially important if you’re taking other medication, as they may interact with your pain meds.
Finally, watch for bleeding days after surgery. Some bleeding is common for the first few hours, but it should subside within a day or so. Excessive bleeding may indicate an issue with the procedure.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s advised that you call your dentist immediately.
Root Canal Aftercare Tips: Feel Better in No Time
Root canals aren’t fun, but root canal aftercare doesn’t have to be difficult. Make sure to follow these tips and have someone close by in case you need to make an emergency trip to the dentist.
All in all, you can expect your recovery to last a few days!
To find more great health and aftercare tips, make sure to check back with our health blog!