The best way to prevent any tooth issue is to do your possible best to maintain good dental health. Nevertheless, if you end up having tooth decay, the best and most effective treatment remains root canal. One of the major concerns of patients who had root canal treatments is the post-recovery period.
Because of the nature of this treatment, patients might experience some level of discomforts, such as swelling and tooth sensitivity, after the procedure. Fortunately, you will not experience these symptoms of discomfort for a very long time and you can use medication to ease symptoms. Here are some pieces of dental advice on how to recover from root canal treatments.
Tips for Recovering from Root Canal Treatments
Pay Attention To The Pain
After the root canal treatment, you will experience pain, which is common and normal. Nevertheless, the pain is only supposed to last for a short period. Fortunately, you can get relief from the pains by taking medication prescribed by a dentist. Over the counter pain relief drugs will also suffice. Nonetheless, if the pain persists over an extended period, you should contact your dentist so that proper action can be taken.
Practice Good Oral Healthcare
Practicing good oral healthcare after this procedure is very important, as it can help with quick and pain-free canal recovery. It can also help to protect your other teeth, possibly preventing the issue from repeating itself. You should not ignore simple habits like flossing and brushing two times a day, as they can make a considerable difference to the health of your teeth.
Nevertheless, you should be very careful and gentle on your teeth while flossing and brushing to prevent disturbing the temporary filling or irritate the area. Dentists also recommend that you schedule regular cleanings and checkups.
Manage How You Treat Your Mouth
After root canal treatment, you need to pay close attention to your mouth and how it feels. With adequate planning, you can reduce any swelling or pain. Before you attempt to eat anything, you should wait until you are no longer numb. If you eat anything while you are still numb, chances are you will bite your tongue or hurt yourself.
If you are experiencing swelling, you can use an ice pack to reduce it. You should use a pillow to keep your head elevated when sleeping, as this will help avoid irritation. For the first couple of days after the treatment, you need to plan your meal carefully. You should go for food that offers adequate nutrition without the hassle of chewing.
You should stay away from foods that require a lot of chewing. Some food options you have include smoothies, soups, and soft food such as mashed potatoes. These foods will reduce the stress on your teeth and aid your recovery process. You should learn to satisfy your hunger and meet your nutritional needs without chewing anything hard.
If you vape or smoke, you should avoid those things for a couple of days after your treatment. For your mouth to heal quickly, you need to keep it free from hard substances and foreign chemicals. Ice cream is another recommended food after this treatment, as the cold helps to keep down inflammation and keep off infection, and this will help to make the recovery phase faster.
Give Yourself Time To Heal
After a root canal treatment, you need to be patient with yourself. You cannot heal immediately after you leave the dental clinic, and you need to come to terms with this. While being patient, you should not give up on this dental advice, as they will help you to heal much faster.
Take Advised Prescriptions
By going through a root canal treatment, you should already know how painful a tooth infection is. To prevent the recurrence of this issue and to reduce the aftereffect of the treatment; you should take the drugs that your dentist recommends for you. The prescribed drugs will possibly contain some antibiotics, which is something you do not want to miss.
In most cases, tooth decay, which required a root canal treatment, is a result of an infection. Taking the right antibiotics will help to fight those infections and bacteria, ensuring you are completely free from this issue without having to undergo another root canal treatment.
Avoid Applying Pressure On Your Teeth
This procedure can leave your teeth feeling very tender. As such, you need to be very careful and make sure you do not apply pressure on the treated tooth. If you know you clench your jaws or grind your teeth while sleeping at night, you should consider buying a night guard.
You should also avoid chewing on the side with the treated tooth; always chew on the opposite side. Even when sleeping, try and sleep on the opposite of the treated tooth to avoid applying pressure on it. You should also be gentle on the teeth when brushing or flossing.
Place The Crown As Soon As Possible
After your treatment, the dentist will insert a temporary filling until your mouth has time to heal. You need to place a permanent crown once your mouth has healed. It is crucial that you place the crown as soon as your dentist recommends it. If you delay this step, chances are you might damage your teeth.
Avoid Exercise For A Couple Of Days
While exercise is very important and should be part of your daily routine, you should consider holding off for some time after your mouth surgery. You need to avoid exercise for a couple of days. You can also find out from your dentist how long you should stay away from exercising. If you hit the gym too soon, you might end up disturbing the treated area and it can result in bleeding. When you are set to resume exercising, you should start slowly.
Final Thoughts
Remember, a root canal treatment is only the first phase of the treatment of an infected or injured tooth. The tooth needs time to heal completely and what you do after the treatment is very important. You should adhere to this advice to achieve a better result.
