A root canal is a dental treatment typically done on a severely damaged, infected, and abscessed tooth. Here, a general dentist or specialist called an endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp through surgery. Besides easing pain, this procedure also helps in saving your natural tooth.
As with any other surgical procedure, you may feel some discomfort after a root canal treatment. To ensure no other issues come up during recovery, it’s crucial to follow proper aftercare. Here’s what you need to know:
Refrain From Eating Right After the Procedure
Since you may still feel a slight numbness in your mouth after a root canal treatment, it’s best to wait for the anesthesia to wear off before eating anything. Doing so will minimize the risks of accidentally burning or biting your tongue from the lack of sensation.
Once you can eat, make sure to start with soft foods, such as soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt, before switching to your usual diet. Besides that, avoid drinking alcohol and chewing on hard foods, like nuts and candies, as they can cause inflammation.
Gargle Warm Salt Water
Another helpful tip in ensuring effective root canal extraction recovery is gargling warm salt water. After the procedure, the gums surrounding the treated tooth become more susceptible to infection. Since salt water acts as an antiseptic, rinsing your mouth with it not only keeps your mouth clean but also helps prevent infections.
Use a Cold Compress
It’s normal for the treated area to become swollen after a root canal procedure. To help relieve this symptom, hold up a cold compress or ice pack against the area for at least 10 minutes. You may repeat this a couple of times throughout the day until the swelling subsides.
Take Pain Medication
Along with swelling, you may feel some mild pain and discomfort after the dental surgery, especially once the anesthesia wears off. This can be remedied by taking anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by your dentist or simple over-the-counter painkillers. If symptoms persist for more than a week, reach out to your doctor.
Rest As Much as You Can
Root canal aftercare also includes getting adequate rest for at least 48 hours after the procedure to support the healing process. But, if you decide to go about your day as usual, make sure to avoid any strenuous activities like running, playing sports, or working out.
Consult Our Dental Experts at Aegis Dental Group
Learning about these tips will help ensure proper root canal recovery. If you experience severe pain, bleeding, or other concerning post-surgery symptoms, reach out to your dentist immediately. Our experts at Aegis Dental Group and Angola Dental Center offer reliable root canal treatment. Contact us today to learn more about our dental procedures and services.