Root canals have become a manageable and effective procedure to save severely damaged teeth. To assure everything goes right, your endodontist will request important aftercare steps to maintain the success of your procedure. Below are what you would typically expect as care instructions following a root canal.

Important Aftercare for a Root Canal Procedure

1. Be Gentle

A root canal requires an endodontist to remove damage to the interior pulp of a tooth to save and strengthen it from further decay. As a result, aftercare is vital while this tooth is structurally vulnerable, and you should steer clear of any circumstances that could crack or break the temporary filling. Avoid chewing food on the side of the mouth where you received the root canal, and stick to soft foods until your endodontist installs the final crown. While brushing and flossing are also very important to your oral health, brush gently and don’t force the floss near the temporary filling. 

2. Get a Crown Placed

Once your tooth and mouth heal, the endodontist will bring you in for a second procedure to place a crown. This cap covers and protects the structurally unsound tooth, and when installed correctly, it will last as long as your natural teeth. Schedule this follow-up immediately after your root canal to assure you don’t put it off. 

3. Address Pain

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen will not only manage discomfort, but they will also reduce any inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue. You should only require these medications for the first couple days, and the pain will gradually subside. If your mouth continues to hurt or becomes more painful, call your endodontist immediately, as it could point to a complication.

Root canals require skilled endodontists to handle this procedure. Families in Monroe County, NY, trust Grassi & Grassi, PC, the area’s oldest endodontic practice, to provide a high level of care and patient support. Founded in 1973 by brothers David and Gerard T. Grassi, they pride themselves on using their extensive knowledge to ease and educate their patients about their procedure. For more information about this practice that operates over a five-county region, call (585) 424-1111 to schedule an appointment or visit their website.