When a person experiences severe pain in or around their tooth, this is often a tell-tale sign of tooth decay. During its early stages, a filling can provide adequate treatment; however, once the infection has reached the pulp of the tooth, a root canal is the only answer. If your dentist has recommended you for this procedure, it’s important to understand the aftercare process so you can prevent any complications.

Do:

Brush and floss the treated area.

Your tooth and the surrounding tissues still need proper dental care, such as brushing and flossing; however, the area will be tender. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle around the temporary filling. Instead of pulling up to remove the floss from between the teeth, pull to the side to prevent it from removing the temporary filling. 

Contact a dentist if you experience complications.

While it’s normal for the area to be sensitive, it’s important to contact your dentist if the filling falls out, or if you experience swelling inside or outside of your mouth. Other symptoms to watch out for include severe tooth pain or an allergic reaction to the pain medication.

Don’t:

Eat immediately after the procedure.

Before the procedure, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area in your mouth where the tooth will be drilled. It’s best to avoid eating any food until the numbness wears off, so you don’t bite your cheek or tongue. Eating hard or sticky foods could also damage the temporary filling, so avoid tough meats, candy, or apples. Opt for soft foods, such as yogurt, smoothies, and pasta, instead. 

Skip your prescribed medications.

If your doctor prescribed you medication to take for the pain, it’s important to take it as advised. Even if you don’t experience pain right away after the treatment, it could take time for the soreness to fully set in.

When you’re ready to schedule the root canal procedure, it’s important to have a dentist you can turn to for dedicated care. For the leading one in Alaska, turn to the team at Anchorage Dental Center. They provide top-quality general and cosmetic dentistry services, from routine cleanings to dental implants. Call (907) 278-2521 to make an appointment or visit their website for more information about their full list of services.