Although dental treatments have improved dramatically over the years, some procedures may result in brief discomfort or minor pain during the recovery period. It’s not uncommon for patients who have undergone a root canal to feel some degree of soreness following the procedure. At the dental office of John D. Mainwaring DDS in Orange, CT, their staff understands how this can worry some patients. That’s why they’re happy to offer suggestions for minimizing any discomfort.

3 Ways to Manage Your Pain After a Root Canal

1. Avoid Hard Foods

Root canal treatments are performed on teeth that were probably causing you noticeable pain before the procedure. As such, it’s not surprising they would feel some degree of soreness afterward. Avoiding tough, crunchy, or hard foods for the first couple of days after treatment is a simple way to limit your pain.

2. Clean Gently

Often, the pain someone experiences after a root canal has more to do with the infection the surgery was treating rather than the procedure itself. The infection can cause inflammation in the gum tissue that takes time to heal. Before leaving the dental office, ask how to safely and effectively clean this area of your mouth. Doing so will promote conditions that reduce inflammation in the gums.

3. Take Recommended Medications

Following your root canal, the dentist may recommend ibuprofen or even prescribe antibiotics. You should take any medication prescribed as recommended, as it can improve your overall comfort level.

Providing general dentistry services to patients in Orange, CT, and the surrounding area, John D. Mainwaring DDS works hard to minimize your pain after a root canal treatment. If you think you might need the surgery, or if you’re interested in learning more about the practice, call (203) 799-6625 or visit them online. You can also find the dental office on Facebook.