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If you have a severe dental infection or have fractured a tooth, a root canal procedure may be necessary to relieve the pain and restore your smile. To ensure the treatment’s success, follow these care tips during recovery.

5 Ways to Simplify Root Canal Recovery

1. Take It Easy

For your mouth to heal properly, you must take the time to rest. In most cases, you should be able to resume normal daily activities after root canal therapy. However, avoid anything that may cause stress or fatigue, such as exhaustive work or strenuous exercise. 

2. Treat Pain With Ice & Medication

root canalSoon after treatment, the anesthesia will wear off and leave the treatment area feeling somewhat sore, in which case you can minimize pain by taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory. Placing ice on your cheek for about 10 minutes at a time can also help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. If you experience severe pain, talk to a dentist since you may need additional treatment.

3. Prioritize Oral Hygiene

While it’s always important to keep your mouth clean, it’s especially critical after a root canal to help reduce the risk of infection. With your dentist’s approval, you should be able to brush after your procedure. However, if the treatment area is sore, you may be better off sterilizing it with a saltwater rinse.

4. Eat With Caution

To avoid stressing the treated tooth, avoid eating solid foods in the first few hours following the procedure. After that, you should be able to chew and eat as normal. However, if you have a temporary dental crown, you shouldn’t chew with the affected side of the mouth. Hard items, such as nuts or chips, may crack the temporary crown.

5. Follow Up With Your Dentist

Even if you feel like you’re healing properly, it’s essential to see your dentist for a follow-up appointment. During this visit, your provider will make sure the procedure was successful and the site is free of infection. If you have a temporary crown, this follow-up appointment may also be used to put the permanent prosthetic in place.

 

If you want to explore root canal therapy, turn to William U. Britton, DDS. With more than 35 years of experience, this Chillicothe, OH, dentist provides comprehensive services for patients of all ages, and offers extra gentle care for those with dental anxiety. To learn about all the ways this family dentist will protect your smile, visit the practice online. To make an appointment, call (740) 772-2225.

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