Maintaining good oral health includes scheduled dental cleanings and checkups. Sometimes at our checkups, we realize that we have a cavity that is no longer treatable. In those moments, a
root canal is necessary. A root canal is a dental procedure removing the infected or decayed pulp and seals the tooth. Root canal therapy will leave people with teeth that are in better condition.
Supreme Dentistry provides root canal treatments to patients at its Houston office. Contact
844.966.2333 to schedule your appointment today. While root canals are essential to your oral hygiene, there is still a recovery period. Discover how to treat yourself with care as you heal from a root canal.
Tips on Recovering from a Root Canal
After getting a root canal, follow these tips to help you recover quickly.
How Do You Feel?
Following a root canal, you will be in pain—it is expected. Your dentist will prescribe either over-the-counter or prescription medications to help you manage the pain. Use these medications as prescribed and talk to your doctor if anything changes regarding your discomfort level. The area around your root canal may be sore for several days. You need to pay attention to how you feel during your recovery period. Within a day or two, your swelling and pain will lessen, especially if you are being patient and allow yourself to heal. Contact your dentist if you experience:
- Ineffective pain medicine
- Rashes or hives
- Swelling that lasts more than one day
In addition, if you are experiencing severe pain after your root canal and cannot see your dentist, go to an emergency room.
Paying Attention to How Your Dental Crowns Feel
After you have a root canal, you will more than likely get a temporary crown. Since this is not your permanent crown customized for your mouth, paying attention to how your dental crowns feel is essential. Alert your dentist immediately if you notice any pain, swelling, or irritation when you bite down. If your pain is persistent, your dentist can ensure that your body is not reacting to the materials used for the crown. A dentist can also examine you for a possible infection.
Treat Your Mouth with Care
Following your root canal, your mouth will feel numb and swollen. However, do not be alarmed! Both numbness and swelling are common after a root canal. After you have had a root canal, wait until your mouth is no longer numb before you eat anything. If you eat while your mouth is numb, you can bite your tongue. Use an ice pack to reduce your swelling. In addition, keep your head elevated with extra pillows while you sleep. This will help minimize the irritation and pain associated with the treated tooth area.
Plan Your Meals
As you are recovering from a root canal, you will need to be careful of how much chewing you do, as it can cause pain in your mouth. Prepare nutritious meals that will not require much chewing. Foods such as mashed potatoes, soups, and smoothies are tasty and allow you to eat without pain.
Take a Break from Your Exercise Routine
Since you are recovering from a root canal, it is essential not to do anything that will cause further irritation or keep your tooth from healing. Yes, exercise should be part of your daily routine. But when recovering from a root canal, it is essential to be careful. Exercise can cause your teeth to bleed. It can also make your recovery painful. Your dentist will tell you how long you should forgo strenuous exercise. If you must exercise, research a routine that will allow you to recover without adding additional strain to your body. Walking, for instance, will allow you to keep your body moving without being too stressed.
What Happens if You Get a Root Canal Infection?
A root canal infection, or an abscessed tooth, is a severe condition that can easily be avoided if caught in time. A root canal infection can result in significant discomfort and various other complications when left untreated. The most common cause is a cavity that has gone ignored and allowed bacteria to enter the innermost area of the tooth. If not addressed immediately, symptoms like:
- Severe pain in the affected area
- Swelling of the gums around the infected tooth
- Fever, nausea, or vomiting
To reduce your risk for a root canal infection, you must take care of your oral health and visit your dentist regularly. Contact your dentist for immediate treatment if you experience any of these symptoms after a root canal.
Good oral hygiene is essential when recovering from a root canal procedure, so brush and floss regularly to keep the area healthy and prevent further irritation. Avoiding acidic foods like citrus fruits can help reduce pain and protect your teeth. Finally, avoid hard or crunchy food that may cause intense pain in your mouth.
Recovering from a root canal can be lengthy, but with proper care, you can speed up the healing process and return to enjoying your life soon. Taking good care of your teeth is essential for preventing further issues or complications after your root canal procedure.
Learn More Tips for Recovering from a Root Canal at Supreme Dentistry
A root canal is an essential investment in restoring your oral health. While root canals can be irritating, and the recovery period can also be uncomfortable, the benefits will always outweigh the pain. If you are searching for a dentist to help you maintain your oral hygiene, look no further than Supreme Dentistry.
Contact us at
844.966.2333 to schedule your appointment.
