Root canals are a standard procedure used by dentists to protect teeth from infections or other forms of nerve damage. With the help of advanced tools and anesthetics, the treatment can be accomplished with little to no discomfort. But once the appointment is over, it’s important to follow steps for proper aftercare to ensure you heal completely and without pain. If you’re planning to have a root canal, here are a few post-care dos and don’ts to follow for a swift and stress-free recovery.

Do:

Rest up.

After a root canal, you should be able to resume most of your normal activities. Still, it’s better to avoid rushing back into your work or school routine. By taking the day to rest, your mouth will have a greater opportunity to heal properly.

Consider anti-inflammatory medications.

Pain associated with root canal recovery can typically be relieved with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications—such as aspirin or ibuprofen. When taken as directed, these drugs will reduce swelling and nerve irritation that may contribute to pain.

Address serious pain.

If over-the-counter pain medications aren’t enough to soothe your discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. Sharp or sudden toothaches can be a sign of complications that may require additional care.

Don’t:

Avoid oral hygiene.

You should be able to brush and floss most of your teeth after a root canal procedure. However, the areas around the treated tooth may be somewhat sensitive. If you can’t comfortably brush, rinse these sections with a saltwater solution to help remove food debris and eliminate oral bacteria.

Eat hard, crunchy foods.

Chewing on hard, sticky, or crunchy foods—such as gum, chips, apples, or nuts—can disturb the tooth during its recovery process. To avoid problems, try to stick to softer food options—such as yogurt, bananas, or pasta. If you do eat something that requires a good amount of chewing, use the side of your mouth that wasn’t treated.

Forget to follow up.

Even if you don’t encounter any problems with your recovery, you should still visit your dentist for a follow-up appointment. During this check-up, your provider will make sure the site is healing properly. This appointment might also be when a temporary dental crown is replaced with a permanent solution.

Known for providing comfortable and gentle care, Stanley R McCardle DMD | Family Dentistry is a leading resource for worry-free root canals in the Headland, AL, area. Backed with over 25 years’ worth of experience, Dr. McCardle knows how to diagnose symptoms accurately, as well as and deliver swift treatment to protect and restore infected teeth. To ensure you have a successful recovery, this dental office will provide you with easy-to-follow aftercare instructions and address any specific concerns you may have. Visit this practice online to learn more about their restorative treatments or call (334) 693-2112 to schedule a convenient appointment.