Six Pointers To Keep In Mind After Your Root Canal
Posted on: 19 January 2022
Patients typically recover surprisingly quickly from undergoing a root canal. They should feel back to normal after the procedure in a few days. However, there are a few good pointers that patients should keep in mind during recovery. These are things patients need to do after the procedure to facilitate a speedy recovery and avoid complications.
The following are six pointers to keep in mind after your root canal for a fast and comfortable recovery.
Practicing good oral hygiene
Brushing and flossing as often as recommended by your dentist is always important. These oral hygiene practices are especially important after you've undergone a root canal. You need to keep your mouth clean to minimize your infection risk as you recover from a root canal. Brushing and flossing are also important for avoiding future tooth decay.
Stocking up on pain medication
You may experience some discomfort as you recover from your root canal. That's why you should remember to stock up on pain medications that you can take while you're recovering. You might also try using a cold compress and gargling warm salt water to deal with any discomfort.
Taking it easy as you recover
Strenuous activities can make things worse for you when you have discomfort from a root canal. Don't engage in any strenuous exercise while you're recovering. Also, you should consider taking a few days off from work after the procedure if your work involves physical labor.
Cutting out smoking and drinking alcohol
Anything that causes inflammation or inhibits circulation is especially harmful when you're recovering from a root canal. Inflammation can increase discomfort during healing while reduced circulation slows down the healing process.
That's why it's important to take a break from smoking or drinking until you've fully recovered after a root canal.
Watching your diet
There are certain foods that you shouldn't eat while you're recovering from a root canal. Crunchy foods could be hard on a tooth that has recently been treated with a root canal.
It's also a good idea to avoid especially chewy or sticky foods. These foods can irritate the root canal site and make it harder to keep the teeth clean and free from food residue during recovery.
Keeping in touch with your dentist
You need to let your dentist know quickly if you have any concerns or think that you might not be recovering as quickly as you should. Letting your dentist know quickly of any concerns could ensure that you get needed follow-up treatment promptly to avoid future dental issues.
Reach out to a dentist, such as John B Webster DDS, if you have any questions about root canals.
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