Often used to restore an infected or broken tooth, the root canal procedure is one of the most common restorative dentistry treatments used today. Under the care of a skilled professional, this therapy is designed to be relatively quick and pain-free. However, it’s not unusual for patients to experience minor discomfort after the procedure is completed. In addition to following the specific aftercare tips that are recommended by your dentist, the following advice can help you enjoy a stress-free recovery.

4 Tips for Root Canal Aftercare

1. Chew Carefully

In the first few days following the procedure, avoid hard or sticky foods that can irritate the tooth—especially if you’re wearing a temporary crown. Instead, stick to soft snacks, like bananas or yogurt, that won’t exert excess pressure.

2. Keep Your Mouth Clean

Typically, you should be able to brush and floss after a root canal. However, cleaning around the treated tooth can be irritating. Since keeping the area clean is critical for infection prevention, look to alternative oral hygiene techniques until you can resume brushing. For example, rinsing with warm salt water or mouthwash can help sterilize the area.

3. Minimize Inflammation

If your jaw feels stiff or there is pain near the treatment site, your symptoms may be due to inflammation—a common immune system response that helps your body heal. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication should be enough to reduce the swelling and relieve the pain. You can also put a towel-wrapped ice pack over your cheek for about 10 minutes at a time.

4. Don’t Forget to Follow-Up

Even if you feel like the tooth has healed without a problem, keep your follow-up appointment with the dentist. During this visit, your provider will make sure there are no complications from the root canal. If you had a temporary crown, the permanent one may be placed during this appointment as well.

Focused on providing stress-free dental care to patients in Coweta, OK, Allen S. Braumiller Jr. DDS, PC is a trusted resource for tooth pain relief. With more than 30 years of professional experience, Dr. Braumiller helps patients with everything from root canals to dental implants. To learn more about the preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services that this provider offers, visit his clinic online. For oral exam appointments, call (918) 486-6516.