Whether your dentist discovered that you need a root canal during a routine visit or you scheduled an emergency appointment due to pain and discomfort, the proper dental care and treatment can go a long way in making you feel better.
But once the root canal is over, it is time for recovery. You will feel like yourself again in no time with these tips for planning your time and care for root canal recovery.
Care After a Root Canal
Care after a root canal is pretty simple and recovery is usually very successful, but there are a few things that you should take into consideration when healing.
If your dental team prescribed you any medications, be sure to follow the instructions and take them as directed. Sometimes antibiotics are given to help control the infection and prescription pain medication is to relieve discomfort. Typically, however, root canals only cause minor pain and discomfort afterward. Relief can be found in over-the-counter analgesics, such as Advil, Ibuprofen, or Aleve. If you can not take NSAID, then Tylenol, (acetaminophen) is a good alternative option. Your dental team can guide you on the best dosage information.
Swelling slightly is common after a root canal, but it should not get worse and your pain should not increase. Reduce any swelling in the area by rinsing with saltwater. Mix 2 tablespoons of salt to 1 glass of warm water. Gently swish and rinse with this saltwater mixture four times daily. Doing so will help keep the area clean, too.
Finally, caring for your oral needs after a root canal means being extra cautious of how you chew. Because the sealant on your tooth is only temporary, you want to be gentle and protect it as much as possible. That means chewing on the side opposite of your root canal is the safest option.
Healing Time
Your body is an incredible healing machine. When your root canal procedure is completed, your tooth has been given the best environment for healing. The decay has been cleared up, the infection has been treated, and the area has been sealed. It is time to be patient and let your body do its thing.
This could take up to a week. Maybe even a little bit longer. So, rest up, follow all the aftercare instructions provided, and make an appointment with your family dentist as soon as possible so you can have your tooth permanently restored.
When to Call Your Dentist
Your root canal recovery should be fairly quick and painless. But, if you find that your pain and/or swelling is not subsiding or any other issues arise, then it is best to make a call to your endodontics office.
Root Canal Recovery at Eagle Endodontics
At Eagle Endodontics, we want to ensure that you heal in the best way possible. Getting root canal therapy is a step in the right direction when it comes to maintaining your oral health. And, at the end of the procedure, we will leave you with the best environment for healing.
Follow the tips above and feel free to ask us any questions or voice any concerns. Dr. Sarraf and the entire team are here to make sure you recover fully - and with ease.
Our expert team is waiting to give you a comfortable dental experience that will relieve your pain and send you home feeling good and confident that you made the right choice with Eagle Endodontics.
We have two locations for your convenience:
Call us today to make an appointment - or schedule one online!