Root Canal Treatment Aftercare Tips

Root canal treatment is an excellent choice if a simple filling cannot save your teeth. This is usually for badly infected or damaged teeth. The damaged or infected area of the tooth, usually the pulp, will first be removed. It will then be cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed. What you do following your root canal treatment concerning care can make all the difference regarding the success of the procedure. Therefore, here are a few tips to help you take care of your teeth following a root canal procedure.

Managing Pain

Some form of pain is expected for the first few days after the treatment. Over-the-counter medications for pain should help. Your dentist can also recommend the right medications for you. The pain itself could be anything from a dull ache to a relatively sharp pain. Keep in mind that the pain should last only a few days. If it is prolonged, you may want to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Also, if you feel better but the area starts hurting again, get in touch with your dentist. Sometimes bacteria may remain behind after cleaning. The bacteria can grow and cause infections and pain down the line. Remember that if your dentist prescribed any antibiotics, you should continue taking them even after the pain subsides or the signs and symptoms of infection disappear.

Choice of Foods

Your tooth might be tender after the root canal procedure. For this reason, you need to be keen not to put too much pressure on the tooth. Therefore, avoid chewy, crunchy, or hard foods such as apples, bread, chewing gum, and carrots. Also, when eating, remember to chew on the opposite side of the treated area. Your tooth may also be sensitive or extremely cold or hot foods. Therefore, consider room-temperature foods.

Cleaning

Cleaning is essential when it comes to taking care of your tooth after a root canal procedure. You need to continue flossing and brushing as usual. However, you need to be extra careful when cleaning the treated area. The tooth may still be sensitive and the gums tender, so you need to be gentle when brushing the tooth. Flossing can be slightly difficult around the filling. Do not force the floss, and if it becomes extremely difficult to floss, contact your dentist as soon as you can. The filling may have to be reshaped.

To learn more, contact a dental clinic like The Happy Tooth Kurri Kurri.

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