Root canal therapy may be a necessary evil. A root canal is a dental procedure that cleanses and repairs a tooth that has decayed to the point where the nerve of the tooth is damaged. The treatment can work wonders in terms of getting rid of pain and discomfort, but it may sometimes take time to heal and recover from this type of procedure.
If you are making preparations for an upcoming root canal procedure, here are a few effective tips to help you get back on your feet sooner rather than later.
Tips to Help Recover More Quickly from a Root Canal
1 – Elevate your head as you sleep
Place a pillow under your upper back when you sleep. This helps to reduce swelling and ensures proper drainage of the tooth. Swelling can be a problem for the first few days after a root canal. You will have a lot of new blood supply flowing to the tooth, which can result in a rapid swelling of the socket and gum tissue. The best thing to do is to elevate your head as you sleep. This will help to reduce the swelling.
2 – Avoid hot and cold food
When the root canal has been filled, the nerve of the tooth has been removed, and the tooth is filled with a sealant (if necessary), there is nothing to protect the tooth from hot or cold food. Keep the cold and hot food away.
3 – Avoid carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks are not good for anyone, but especially for people after a root canal because of the increased risk for dry sockets.
4 – Avoid smoking (Or quit altogether!)
Cigarettes cause bacteria to grow and thrive, so it’s best to avoid smoking during the recovery period. Smoking can increase the risk of developing a dry socket when compared to non-smoking patients.
5 – Don’t eat right away
After the root canal procedure, you should avoid eating right away. Let the anesthesia wear off, and the pain medication kick in first before eating. If you have an appointment the next day or are going to be out of the house, be sure to tell the dentist that you can’t eat anything. Take an extra dose of pain pills before you leave the appointment, and you should be fine.
6 – Drink plenty of fluids
Drink plenty of fluids because, after the root canal, you may have a dry mouth. It’s best to stay hydrated to avoid dry sockets and other complications.
7 – Take pain medication
Take any pain medication that has been prescribed and take it as directed. Be sure not to take any additional pain medication and to let the prescribed medication kick in before you take any.
Conclusion
After a root canal, you will most likely be feeling better, but it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to fully recover from a root canal. During that time, you will want to follow the dentist’s instructions regarding eating certain foods and taking certain pain medications. You will also want to keep your mouth and teeth clean to avoid reinfection of the treated tooth and the spreading of bacteria throughout the mouth and body. These tips can help you feel more comfortable and recover more quickly!
If you are looking for a dental office that you can trust, visit Pike District Smiles. Receive top-quality dental care for the entire family. Pike District Smiles offers comprehensive dental checkups, kid’s dentistry, root canals, periodontal care, dental implants, Invisalign, and more.
