When you get a root canal procedure, you’ll need to take special care of your tooth and follow post-operative guidelines exactly. If you don’t take proper care of the tooth after surgery, it could become infected, cause severe pain, or encounter other complications that you don’t want. Here are several do’s and don’ts of caring for your tooth after a root canal.

Do:

Take ibuprofen before the numbness wears off.

It’s much easier to begin to prevent pain from setting in than it is to relieve it once it’s started, especially if it’s moderate. Before the numbing agent wears off after your procedure, take ibuprofen to prevent discomfort and relieve swelling. Don’t take pain-relieving medications that thin blood, as it may cause bleeding.

Avoid disturbing the temporary filling.

After your canal, you’ll be fitted with a temporary filling. You should continue your normal oral care routine at home, but avoid disrupting the filling by eating on the other side of your mouth and avoiding hard, chewy, or sticky foods. If the filling breaks or comes out, contact your dentist right away.

Contact your dentists if you think something is wrong.

Don’t be afraid to call your dentists if you’re concerned. They’ll alleviate your worry if what you’re experiencing is normal. If something is wrong, they’ll advise you on what to do or if you need to come to their office. Calling them will save you time spent worrying and lead to early treatment if an issue exists.

Don’t:

Drink hot beverages while numbed.

Your local anesthetic will last a few hours after your procedure. Don’t drink or eat hot things while numb. You won’t feel how hot it is, which can cause burns to your mouth, esophagus, and stomach.

Ignore severe swelling, fever, pus, or pain after treatment.

While moderate discomfort and swelling are normal up to 10 days after treatment, don’t ignore severe pain that isn’t relieved by medication or swelling that’s severe. While a low-grade fever — below 100°F — may be normal within the first 24 hours, contact your dentist if it persists or reaches 100°F. You also shouldn’t ignore pus, as it signals an infection.

Forget about your follow-up visit.

You’ll need a follow-up visit to check how you’re healing and apply a permanent filling. Many dentists use crowns to cover the filled tooth, preventing breaks and decay. Skipping this appointment greatly risks infection, as the temporary filling won’t last.

 

When you need a root canal or advice on caring for your tooth after one, contact experienced dentist Larry G. Hubbard, DDS in Statesboro, GA. Dedicated to providing patients with effective and safe treatments, he and his team will perform reliable and skilled work to enhance the health and beauty of your smile. They use advanced technology to make your experience better, optimizing comfort levels and the quality of care you receive. Beyond root canals, they also offer crowns, and implants. Learn about their root canal procedure online, and call (912) 764-9891 to speak with them about your recovery concerns.