When a tooth is severely damaged or diseased, a root canal procedure is done to save it. After removing the injured tissue from the tooth’s inside and sanitizing the area, the tooth is filled and sealed. General dentists typically do root canals; however, endodontists, a subspecialist who specializes in this procedure, can also perform them.
Our Calgary dentist and their staff can provide you with all the details you need to know about root canal therapy if you’re getting ready for it or thinking about getting one. Within a week or two of your treatment, your gums and mouth should feel perfectly normal, with the exception of the lack of infection-related discomfort and swelling.
Once the treatment is completed, you can take a number of steps to ensure the quickest and most easy healing possible. These are described below:
Don’t Eat Right Away
It is important to wait to eat until the anesthesia in your mouth has fully reduced. Be careful not to chew or bite straight with the healing tooth when you start eating until all the localized soreness has subsided.
Hard foods can place undue strain on your teeth and even dislodge a tooth if eaten in excess. For the first several days following your treatment, limit your diet to softer meals like soup, mashed potatoes, oats, or yogurt.
Elevate Your Head
You will have pain and swelling in the oral region following the operation. By sleeping with your head raised for a few nights as you heal, you can lessen the swelling. An extra pillow placed behind your head will help ease the pain.
Use Over-The-Counter Pain Medications
Although the operation was painless, as the anesthetic wears off, you’ll feel pain in your jaw and gums. Painkillers like Ibuprofen are one example that our dentist near you will advise taking to help you bear the discomfort.
Gargle with Warm Salt Water
Gargling with warm water and salt will help keep your jaws healthy and stop an infection from spreading to the gums that surround the tooth that is bothering you. You should combine about half a teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm, but not boiling, water.
Ice Cream and Cold Compresses
A cold compress can be used to calm the area and lessen swelling if you have swelling following your root canal therapy near you. Apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time by wrapping them in a towel. You can repeat this as often as necessary throughout the day to reduce the swelling.
After your root canal operation, eating ice cream and using cold compresses will reduce swelling. Avoid eating ice cream with a damaged tooth because you can experience tooth sensitivity. After the treatment, use a compress for a few minutes many times per day until the discomfort is diminished.
Avoid Inflammatory Sources
Ice cream can help relieve the edema brought on by your operation. While you’re recovering, refrain from smoking, using a straw, and consuming alcohol. All of these things may promote inflammation. Additionally, avoid foods that can get caught between teeth until healing is complete and the risk of re-infection has entirely passed.
Don’t Be Surprised by Sensitivity
Within the two weeks following a root canal procedure, some sensitivity to hot, cold, and pain while biting is normal. You might want to run your tongue over the treated area. Both that and any following sensitivity or pain are common side effects.
Take a Break
Running, hiking, sports, and physical exertion should be avoided for the first two days after a root canal procedure. Instead, spend that time relaxing and avoid hard exercise while you’re healing.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Assistance
Your dentist will offer you detailed instructions for your case and explain precisely what to anticipate during your healing. Additionally, these suggestions will support a quick recovery. Do not hesitate to get in touch with our dentist if you suffer unforeseen symptoms or consequences, which are uncommon but possible. We can talk about them with you and offer guidance.
Call Our Dentist Today!
A root canal may sound like a frightening event, but by adhering to the above suggestions, you can get back to your regular routine as soon as possible.
Following your procedure, it’s critical to look after your teeth according to your dentist’s recommendations in order to ensure that any inflammation or infection has been correctly treated.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with our committed team of dental specialists at SE Calgary root canal therapy for any queries or worries concerning root canal treatment, what it comprises, or how long recuperation takes. Contact us to schedule a consultation!