A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures for saving a fractured tooth. While it alleviates pain and prevents the tooth from further damage, your care of your mouth after receiving a root canal largely determines the success of the procedure. Information about taking care of the mouth after a root canal can help you prevent complications, keeping your tooth healthy for the rest of your life.
In this article, Dr. Kaur provides solid advice on what to do to care for your oral health after a root canal. This advice will help patients recover fast, avoid pain, and ensure the long-term success of their tooth. Let’s dive into the critical steps for aftercare.
What Happens After a Root Canal?
After treatment of your root canal, the infected tooth will be better. Yet, it will be sensitive for a few days. This is normal, though, and with the right oral care, the tooth will heal further. Your dentist can put a temporary filling or crown to cover the tooth until the final restoration.
When your tooth is healing, it’s also crucial to observe a couple of things to prevent any issues that could hamper your recovery.
Tips to Maintain Your Root Canal
1. Avoid Chewing on the Treated Tooth
For the first few days after your root canal, do not chew on the treated tooth itself, especially if it’s still sensitive or has a temporary filling in it. Chewing using the tooth too soon may cause unnecessary strain, which may lead to infection or damage.
2. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Regular oral care is always necessary, but especially so after a root canal. Brush teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush twice a day and floss once a day. This will prevent the treated area from developing bacteria that could lead to infection.
3. Follow-Up Appointments with Dr. Kaur
After a root canal in Round Rock, regular visits with your dentist are necessary. The visits allow Dr. Kaur to observe the tooth’s healing process and ensure that the root canal was successful. Your dentist will also place a permanent crown to restore the functionality of the tooth during these appointments. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to catch problems before they arise, so they can be treated before they become significant.
4. Be Careful with Your Diet
Your tooth may feel somewhat sensitive after a root canal, especially if it comes into contact with hot or cold foods. To reduce discomfort, avoid hard or sticky foods for a few days. Opt for softer foods like soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes during the healing time.
Also, avoid foods with high sugar content and sweet beverages since they may cause tooth decay and will put more pressure on the healing process.
5. Watch out for Signs of Infection or Pain
While some pain is to be anticipated after a root canal, persistent or severe pain isn’t. If you are experiencing more pain, swelling, or a foul taste in your mouth, it could be a sign of an infection. It’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible if you notice these signs in an effort to prevent further complications.
6. Use the Right Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great way of maintaining your gums and teeth healthy after a root canal. Nevertheless, never use mouthwashes that have alcohol since they usually irritate the treated tooth. Instead, find a gentle, alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash that can assist in keeping your mouth clean and reduce the risk of infection.
7. Don’t Forget the Final Restoration
In some cases, a root canal may include the installation of a temporary filling or crown, but it’s imperative to follow through on the final restoration. Dr. Kaur will work with you to ensure that your permanent restoration (usually a crown) is comfortable and provides long-term protection for the treated tooth.
Taking proper care of your teeth after a root canal is essential to ensure a successful recovery and long-lasting oral health. Following these tips will not only help maintain your treated tooth but also improve your overall dental well-being. If you’re in discomfort or would prefer to book your follow-up appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us. Dr. Kaur and the team at Chandler Creek Dental Care care about assisting you in accomplishing the well-being of your smile.
