General dental care tips come in handy to speed up the recovery process of root canals. The ideal post-treatment care also ensures you get the best out of your root canal surgery. Discover three dos and don'ts that will aid a smooth and comfortable recovery journey after a root canal.
The Dos
Below are three things to do to keep the treatment area free of infection and enhance a hassle-free recovery.
1. Manage Pain
Pain is common after a root canal but manageable with different medications. For example, your general dentist could suggest over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. You could also take anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce gum swelling.
Another way to handle pain is to do simple activities that keep your mind off the surgery, e.g., you could visit friends or read a book.
2. Pay Attention to How Your Mouth Feels
You won't feel like your usual self immediately after a root canal. Instead, you can expect tenderness and inflammation, which should go away after a few days. However, if you experience severe pain and the medication is ineffective, don't hesitate to contact your general dentist.
3. Choose Foods Wisely
Be selective with foods because of the sensitivity that could occur after root canal surgery. Your general dentist advises that you avoid spicy, chewy, and hard foods that irritate the treatment area or displace temporary fillings. Instead, take softer foods like soups and scrambled eggs. Also, be keen on the temperature of the food since extremely hot or cold foods can irritate the treatment area.
Don'ts
Certain activities and practices cause more pain or deposit bacteria in the treatment area. Avoid such activities as discussed below.
1. Don't Exercise for the First Few Days
The root canal treatment area may be sensitive for a while after the procedure. So take time off for the first few days to recover before exercising. To be sure how long, ask your general dentist about the period you should stay off exercise.
Exercises done too soon can make you bleed or feel pain in the treated area. Once you are ready to exercise, start with tasks meant for people in surgery recovery.
2. Don't Smoke or Drink Alcohol
Avoid tobacco and alcohol for a few days after root canal surgery. Such intoxicants interact with prescription medications. The substances can also make gum tissue more painful and slow your recovery.
3. Don't Chew in the Area
Chew on the opposite side of the root canal area for the first few days after a root canal. That way, you will ensure food doesn't dislodge in the treatment area. Also, you minimize pressure on the sensitive tissues during recovery.
Conclusion
Some people get scared about root canal recovery. If you are such a person, don't worry; you will be okay with a bit of rest and proper care. Finally, contact your general dentistry provider if you notice unexpected problems like rashes and hives.
For more information, contact a local clinic like Smile Solutions LLC.
Share21 September 2022
The average dentist takes many client appointments each day and also deals with emergency situations on a regular basis. Dental emergencies are very common because people are likely to put off having tooth pain fixed until the pain becomes unbearable. Some people have anxiety about dental visits, and others are trying to avoid the expense of dental care. In either case, the end result is often a dental emergency. I have worked as a professional dental hygienist for many years and have seen all types of dental emergencies. I hope that this blog will help people identify potential emergencies before they become too serious and will allow people to know when to get help.
