A root canal is a necessary procedure for many individuals looking to ease themselves of pain and save a tooth or teeth from infection or decay.
It’s not a cosmetic procedure, so for many, they have no choice but to have it done. If you’re one of these people, then you might be feeling a bit nervous about scheduling your root canal.
If you’ve never had this type of procedure done before, then it’s normal for your mind to be going 100 miles per minute not knowing what to expect from the root canal recovery. One great way to put your mind at ease is to know what to expect before going into it.
Your root canal recovery can be a smooth process with minimal pain if you know what to expect. Continue reading below for our guide on what the root canal recovery process will look like.
Care Instructions
Upon finishing the first step of your root canal, you’ll be sent home with care instructions and a pain-management plan. It’s essential that you follow both of these instructions until your next follow-up appointment.
It’s even more essential to follow these instructions when a temporary filling or crown is placed on a tooth. Failure to follow them might lead to issues with your recovery process.
You should even be aware of all medication directions as some could cause drowsiness. The better you follow all instructions given to you, the smoother your recovery process will be.
Relaxed Pace
Although some might not see an oral procedure as a major procedure, it’s still a procedure none the less. Be sure to take things easy after your root canal and go at a slow and relaxed pace.
If you have a daily exercise routine, be sure to speak with your dentist about how long you should wait until starting back up again. It might be beneficial for you to take a few days off from exercising and allow your body to rest.
Engaging in intense exercise too soon might result in problems. Instead, take your time off and then come back slow. Look into exercises geared towards those recovering from surgery and work your way back up to your normal routine.
Tooth Sensitivity
After your medication from the procedure wears off, you might notice some tooth sensitivity and pain. These sensations might last for a few days following the root canal. You might also notice soreness in your jaw as well.
The soreness is caused by having to keep your mouth open for an extended period of time during the procedure. For many people, simple over-the-counter pain medications work well to relieve them from the pain, soreness, or sensitivity.
Ask your dentist what medication you can take and how often. Your dentist might also prescribe you a medication with directions to follow as well.
Careful Chewing
While you’re still in recovery or between follow-up appointments, it’s a good idea to keep the chewing on that tooth to a minimum. To avoid any problems, try to eat foods that aren’t too hot and food that doesn’t require a lot of chewing to eat.
Soft foods will ensure there’s no damage done to your tooth. Some soft foods to consider are as follows:
- Mashed potatoes
- Ice cream
- White bread
- Warm soup
Careful chewing is even more so important for those with temporary fillings or crowns. Not being careful with your temporary fillings or crowns could lead to breaks or infections.
Possible Problems
If you follow your dentist’s care instructions, then you should have a smooth recovery. There are times, however, when problems do arise. If you notice issues with your tooth that are not normal for the recovery process, then you’ll need to contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Some problem signs to look out for are as follows:
- Swelling in or around the mouth
- Severe pain lasting several days
- Uneven bite
- Filling or crown falls out
- Reaction to medication
Your dentist will give you instructions on how to correct these issues, which might include coming back into the office.
Follow-Up Appointment
A follow-up appointment is necessary for all those receiving a root canal. As soon as you have your root canal done, be sure to stop by the front desk and schedule your follow-up appointment right then and there.
If you need to change the date of the appointment, later on, you can call the office and do so. The follow-up appointment is an important part of the root canal process. This is the appointment where you’ll receive your permanent filling or crown for your tooth.
Dental Hygiene
During the healing process, be sure to brush your teeth using extra care. You don’t want to be too aggressive with your toothbrush on or around the tooth in recovery. It’s also important for you to continue to floss your teeth.
When flossing, be sure to take things slow and use care. You should also avoid smoking for the first few days as well if you’re a smoker. Your mouth will heal faster this way.
Experience a Great Root Canal Recovery
You can experience a great root canal recovery when following these tips listed above. Remember, these tips along with your treatment plan given to you by your dentist are the best way to ensure a quick recovery!
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Contact us today to schedule your appointment and put your tooth pain at ease!