When you hear the words “root canal,” you might cringe and imagine a lengthy, painful dental procedure. However, root canal therapy is a standard treatment to remove infected pulp tissue and save your natural tooth.
Not only that, but the pain associated with a root canal is due to the infection, not the procedure. Even though a trip to your Vienna dentist may not be among your favorite things to do, it’s essential to know what to expect once your root canal is complete.
So, what are some of the best tips for a swift and speedy recovery after a root canal? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental treatment that removes infected tissue from your tooth’s innermost layer, the pulp chamber. The pulp chamber consists of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, and when bacteria makes its way into this area, it becomes inflamed and infected. This can happen because of severe tooth decay, a cracked or damaged tooth, worn enamel, or after a dental procedure.
Symptoms you might experience when you need a root canal include a tingling sensation in your tooth or a sharp pain when eating hot or cold foods.
When your dentist cleans the canals inside your tooth’s root, it will eliminate any pain you’re experiencing and often save your natural tooth from extraction. Once the infection is removed, your dentist will fill and seal your tooth to prevent reinfection, and they may add a dental crown to strengthen and protect your tooth.
Immediate Post-Root Canal Care
It’s essential to follow your dentist’s instructions after your root canal. Here are some immediate post-care instructions to keep in mind:
- Avoid eating and drinking — Don't eat or drink anything at least 30 minutes after your procedure.
- Avoid biting and chewing — Once you do eat something, make sure not to bite down or chew on the affected tooth until it has time to heal. It’s best to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
- Avoid smoking — Smoking can slow the healing process, so try to take a break from tobacco after your root canal.
- Rinse your mouth — Several times a day for at least three days, mix ½ teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth.
- Take medications — Take over-the-counter pain relievers or pain medication your dentist prescribes for discomfort.
- Apply a cold compress — To keep your face from swelling, apply a cold compress or ice pack on the side of your face for 20 minutes. This will alleviate discomfort as well.
- Protect your face — Avoid any activities that could cause a blow to your face, such as contact sports. It’s best to go home and rest after a root canal.
Oral Hygiene Practices for Recovery
To help your tooth heal and prevent further damage, you should practice good oral hygiene after a root canal:
- Brush your teeth — Twice a day, gently brush your teeth for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This will help remove plaque and prevent decay.
- Floss your teeth — At least once daily, floss between each tooth to remove food particles. Flossing can help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease.
- Use mouthwash — To avoid germs, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash at least once daily.
- Visit your dentist — Make sure to keep follow-up appointments with your dentist after your root canal. Also, it’s important to visit your dentist every six months for a routine exam and checkup.
Dietary Guidelines and Restrictions
It’s best to avoid eating anything after root canal therapy until your mouth isn’t numb anymore. Once the numbness wears off, your mouth will still be tender, so follow these dietary guidelines:
- Avoid hard and sticky foods — Don’t eat anything crunchy or chewy because it can harm your tooth. Avoid candy, ice cubes, taffy, pretzels, chips, and crusty bread.
- Avoid hot and cold foods and drinks — Try not to eat or drink anything too hot or too cold, as it can irritate the affected area.
- Avoid chewing with the treated tooth — Be sure not to chew on pens, pencils, or your fingernails. When you chew something, do so on the opposite side of your mouth.
- Reintroduce solid foods gradually — After sticking to soft foods for the first day, you can begin to reintroduce solid foods. Just be careful about biting down too hard.
Monitoring and Follow-Up Care
It’s normal to experience some swelling and discomfort after a root canal, but some symptoms indicate you may need further treatment. Be sure to contact our dental office if you experience any of the following:
- Pain — If you have severe pain, throbbing pain, or pain while chewing, you should call us immediately.
- Swelling — If your swelling persists or worsens for more than a few days, contact our dental office.
- Lost crown or filling — If your temporary crown or filling comes out, please call us.
- Other symptoms — If your tooth is discolored or you have bad breath, drainage, a fever, or signs of an infection, we need to see you.
Want to Learn More about Root Canals in Vienna, VA?
If you find yourself searching the internet for a “dentist near me,” consider the expert dental team at Vienna Family Dental! We offer gentle root canal treatment to eliminate your discomfort and save your tooth. We also offer sedation dentistry for our patients with dental anxiety.
Contact our dental office at (703) 281-7104 to schedule an appointment.