How to Care for a Tooth After Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is a regular dental operation that gets rid of an infection in a tooth and restores dental health. This procedure is used to treat dental infections, tooth decay, and tooth damage. Following the root canal procedure, patients need to pay extra attention to and take care of their teeth to ensure a fast and seamless recovery.

Caring for a root canal tooth

Root canal treatment is normally performed as an outpatient procedure, and patients can usually return home soon afterward. The patient will get the necessary instructions from the dentist. Following the procedure, patients must take care of their teeth and carefully follow the recommendations. 

Brushing and flossing are important

Brushing and flossing are essential in dental hygiene. Patients must ensure that they maintain a good oral routine throughout this period. To minimize the risk of future infection, the treated area needs to be clean. Brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing once a day is important, and failure to do so can lead to more dental problems. However, patients also need to be cautious when brushing and flossing to avoid inflammation.

Watch the food

The treated tooth will be sensitive for a few days after the procedure. As a result, patients need to be watchful of their meals. It is advisable to stay away from foods that cause inflammation. Certain foods, such as fries, chips, nuts, or abrasive substances, might put a strain on the tooth and should not be eaten. Also, sugary foods can contribute to an infection and should also be avoided for a while.

For a few days, avoid strong biting or chewing with the treated tooth. This will ensure that the tooth remains healthy and in place. Before root canal treatment, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic, which will numb the mouth for a while. It is better to wait until the numbness was completely gone before eating. Eating while the mouth numb can lead to unnecessary tongue or cheek biting, which may worsen the issue.

Use medications as directed

After the anesthetic numbness wears off, patients may experience soreness in the area during healing. Initially, it may feel uncomfortable, but these sensations are temporary and can be treated with over-the-counter medication. The dentist may potentially prescribe medications to treat discomfort and stop infection. Patients need to follow the dentist’s instructions and take the medications according to their instructions. If pain persists and an infection is suspected, make an appointment with the dentist right away.

In rare cases, a patient may experience an allergic response in the mouth due to a medication. In any event, do not overlook these symptoms; schedule an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible. They will examine the root canal tooth and provide the proper treatment options to avoid issues.

In conclusion

Following your root canal treatment, it is critical that you take good care of your teeth. To avoid more difficulties, you must maintain a close eye on your dental health, from brushing and flossing to eating healthy and visiting your dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://agourahillscosmeticdentists.com or call The Smile Spa at (818) 573-2196 for an appointment in our Agoura Hills office.

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