Whether your dentist found that you needed a root canal during a routine visit or you scheduled an emergency appointment because of pain and discomfort, the right dental treatment and care can be life-changing, and an endodontist can help.
Once the root canal is complete, it is time for recovery. If you follow these tips for planning your time and caring for your root canal recovery, you’ll feel like yourself again in no time.
How to take care of your mouth after a root canal
When recovering from a root canal, care is pretty straightforward and recovery is usually very successful, but you should keep a few things in mind.
Make sure that you follow your endodontist’s instructions and take any prescribed medications. Occasionally, antibiotics are given to help control infection, and prescription pain medications are given to alleviate discomfort. In most cases, however, root canals only cause minor discomfort and pain afterward. A variety of over-the-counter analgesics can provide relief, including Advil, Ibuprofen, and Aleve. If you cannot take NSAIDs, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an alternative. Consult with your endodontic team for dosage recommendations.
Afterward, you may experience some swelling, but the swelling should not worsen and your pain should not increase. Rinsing with salt water will reduce any swelling. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to one glass of warm water and gently swish and rinse with this mixture four times a day. This is also a good way to keep the area clean.
Finally, taking care of your mouth after a root canal means being extra careful about how you chew. Because there is a temporary restoration on your tooth, you should protect it as much as possible. The safest option is to chew on the side opposite of your root canal.
The Healing Process
The body is an incredible healer; when the root canal procedure is completed, your tooth has been given the best possible environment to heal. The infection has been treated, decay has been removed, and the area has been sealed. Now you must be patient and allow your body to heal.
This may take a week or even a little bit longer. Therefore, you should rest up, follow all aftercare instructions carefully, and go to your family dentist as soon as possible so your tooth can be permanently restored.
What if you have problems after your root canal treatment?
The recovery process from a root canal should be relatively painless and quick. In the event that your pain and/or swelling continue, or if other problems arise, it is advisable to contact your endodontist.
Our Endodontist in Louisville team wants to make sure you heal as efficiently as possible. When it comes to maintaining your oral health, root canal therapy is a good step in the right direction. Follow these tips and feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Our goal is to make your recovery as easy as possible. Please contact us today for an appointment.