22
Nov
3 Tips for How to Care for a Tooth After a Root Canal
Having a root canal treatment can restore your tooth. Damage to your tooth can cause serious pain. Your dentist’s goal is to end the pain while keeping your natural tooth intact. Going through the therapy relieves discomfort and improves your dental health. Proper recovery contributes to optimal results. If you want to know how to care for your tooth after a root canal, here are three tips to remember.
Tip 1: maintaining good oral hygiene
After a root canal, the patient must prevent infection and decay. Brushing at least two times a day using fluoride toothpaste is a basic practice. This must happen for two minutes each time. Flossing is important in removing food particles and plaque between teeth. Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash can leave a protective and strengthening layer on teeth.
The patient can use an electric toothbrush if there are joint problems. This type of toothbrush has a timer capable of running for two minutes each time. The gentle, small, circular movements and the ultrasonic vibrations can help dislodge plaque and food particles without issue. A water flosser is also helpful for thorough flossing.
Tip 2: paying attention to diet and oral health
Being mindful of the mouth after the procedure is important. There will be swelling and pain, but this is manageable with proper aftercare planning. There would still be some numbing when the patient gets home. Waiting until the numbing is gone before eating is important. This will prevent the patient from biting the tongue or the inner part of the cheek.
Placing an ice pack on it can reduce the pain and swelling. Elevating the head with a pillow or two can prevent irritation. Meal planning can help during the first few days of recovery. A soft diet will prevent heavy chewing. Mashed potatoes, soups, and smoothies can help the patient recover faster.
Avoiding tobacco consumption will help the patient heal better. Tobacco will only introduce various chemicals. These could slow down recovery. The chemicals could also deteriorate the healing tissue and invite bacteria.
Tip 3: getting enough rest
Rest is important in recovering from a root canal. Getting good quality sleep with enough hours encourages good healing. Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is healthy. Tissue repair and growth become faster if the patient does not perform vigorous exercises or lift heavy objects. Soreness and tiredness are normal sensations after surgery. Taking about two days of rest from work after the root canal treatment can make the patient feel better.
Taking pain relievers can cause drowsiness. Staying at home and avoiding physical activities can help prevent accidents. Avoiding stress can also aid in the healing process. Surrounding the patient with relaxing and meditative items can encourage root canal recovery as well.
Following the dentist’s instructions can help in faster recovery from a root canal
Getting a root canal treatment involves invasive surgery. Expecting some downtime is only natural. Following the dentist’s instructions during recovery can help make healing better. Fast recovery leads to your early return to your normal routine. Regular checkups with your dentist can ensure the success of your root canal treatment.
Are you considering getting a root canal in the Red Bluff area? Get more information at https://www.drelloway.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Red Bluff, CA.
Randal Elloway, DABOI, FAAID
Dr. Elloway has a Bachelor’s in Biology from La Sierra University and a DDS from Loma Linda University, and brings over 30 years of dental experience to his practice in Red Bluff. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Northern California Dental Society. Dr. Elloway is committed to continuous learning and compassionate care, and volunteers internationally to help needy patients.