Patients typically do not feel much discomfort during root canal therapy, but there is likely to be discomfort during the recovery process. It is helpful to become familiar with the likely symptoms following root canal therapy and plan in advance on how to make a full recovery in the shortest amount of time possible.
There are certain care tips that dentists recommend to patients after root canal therapy. The most common issues patients experience include gum swelling and tenderness, difficulty chewing and an increased risk of infection. The following are four tips for how to deal with the uncomfortable symptoms and make the aftercare process easier.
Good oral hygiene is an essential step in the root canal therapy aftercare process. This is primarily to ensure there are no issues with the root canal and that the risk of an oral infection following treatment is kept to a minimal level. Good oral hygiene keeps bacteria and food particles away and can also reduce the amount of discomfort the patient experiences. Dentists typically recommend brushing several times each day, flossing regularly and using mouthwash to keep the mouth clean after a root canal procedure.
Another important aftercare tip for root canal therapy is watching what you eat and drink. Certain foods and drinks may increase the risk of complications after a root canal, such as those that are high in sugar, carbohydrates, hard foods and sticky candy. Instead, dentists typically recommend consuming a low-sugar diet of soft foods. Chewing will be more difficult after root canal therapy, so it is important to minimize the risk of irritation by eating an appropriate diet of soft foods and primarily drinking water and milk.
Dental trauma can significantly set back the recovery progress of root canal therapy. Dental trauma refers to damage to the mouth, which is typically caused by a blow to the face or teeth grinding. It is encouraged to avoid activities in which a blow to the face is possible, such as contact sports, weightlifting and heavy construction. Patients who grind their teeth at night should wear a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding.
The dentist will likely require follow-up visits. In addition to ensuring all follow-up visits are made, patients should also check for signs of complications, such as increased pain or a loosening or loss of a temporary crown. If notable issues develop, be sure to contact the dentist for prompt and effective treatment after a root canal.
Here at our dentistry, we take pride in helping patients through the root canal process from the consultation visit to assisting with aftercare once treatment is complete. Our team is friendly and more than happy to answer any questions you may have about root canal therapy or how to make a quick and full recovery.
Request an appointment here: https://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114 for an appointment in our Portland office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal in Portland, OR.
The term root canal treatment refers to the inner chamber between the tooth roots and the pulp, and also to the dental treatment for removing infected pulp material. Tooth infections can cause severe tooth pain and often necessitate tooth extraction. With root canal treatment, a dentist may be able to save the tooth and alleviate…
While you may be dreading your root canal, you will be happy to know the procedure is not nearly as bad as some people may believe. In fact, it is not the actual procedure that causes pain but the infection within the tooth root that is painful. The root canal procedure eliminates this pain and…
A root canal procedure is one of the most important and the most commonly done procedures in dentistry. It is usually performed by endodontists. A root canal is the removal of the natural cavity which is at the center of the tooth. The procedure is done to a damaging or decaying tooth to save the…
When you are concerned that you may have an infection after having a root canal performed, then knowing the warning signs is essential to your good overall health. Root canals are often a necessary procedure in order to save a tooth at risk of being lost. Even though root canal complications tend to be few…
CEREC® technology allows dentists to make dental restorations onsite, eliminating the need for multiple appointments to get restorations placed on teeth. The acronym stands for the Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, and it involves sending data to a CEREC machine that makes restorations in as little as 20 minutes.The traditional way of getting a…
If you have dental issues that have made you less confident in your smile, you should consider consulting with a restorative dentist. The dentist will evaluate your smile and let you know how to restore the look of your teeth and, ultimately, your confidence in your smile. Continue reading to find out what restorative dental…