Navigating the Road to Recovery After a Root Canal Procedure

Tooth infection and pulpal nerve damage can cause immense pain to the point where you do not enjoy eating or even smiling. When the infection is severe, the dentist in Plano, TX, can recommend a root canal procedure to save your natural tooth. Root canal therapy involves the removal of the infected pulp, which can cause a little pain after the procedure. You will also need to maintain proper oral hygiene to ensure your road to recovery is smooth. We will help you achieve a smooth recovery after root canal treatment. Here’s how.

Managing Pain and Discomfort During Root Canal Recovery

During root canal treatment, the dentist will administer anesthesia to ensure you don’t experience pain. However, once the anesthesia wears out, you will experience some pain and discomfort in the area of treatment. Some patients also experience jaw soreness, and this is because of the mouth being open during the surgery.

Fortunately, the pain experienced after root canal surgery will clear after a few days. Some patients don’t experience any pain after the surgery, while others experience pain that needs to be dealt with.

Here are some ways you can deal with pain and discomfort after the treatment:

First, ensure you take the antibiotics that the root canal dentist in Plano has prescribed. Before the procedure, your tooth might have been aching, and afterward, the tooth is left tender. If a tooth infection was the cause of pain, the dentist will give you antibiotics to take at home. Antibiotics are essential to keep bacteria at bay and prevent adverse post-endodontic events like excess swelling and pain.

Secondly, you should avoid taking hard foods like nuts and crisps. As mentioned earlier, your treated tooth is left tender and weak after root canal treatment. So, when you consume hard foods, you’re exerting unwanted pressure on the treated tooth. The pressure can worsen the pain. Therefore, it would be best to stick to soft foods like white rice, pancakes, and soft cereals.

Another tip for managing pain is using a saltwater rinse. A saltwater rinse will help reduce swelling and pain. Mix one tablespoon of salt in warm water and rinse your mouth. The saltwater rinse will also reduce the chances of infection as it stops bacterial growth.

You can also use over-the-counter drugs to manage the pain. However, it would be best to inquire with your dentist. In addition, the dentist will recommend the proper dosage of painkillers to take.

The Importance of Following Your Dentist’s Aftercare Instructions

After the procedure, the dentist will provide root canal aftercare tips to ensure a smooth recovery and no complications. Below are some of the aftercare tips that the dentist will provide:

• Don’t eat immediately after the surgery. This is because your mouth is still numb and you can bite your tongue without knowing.
• Refrain from strenuous activities. It would be best to skip the gym for two days to give your body time to recover from the surgery.
• Take caution when brushing and flossing your teeth. The treated tooth and neighboring tissues will be tender; therefore, use light pressure when brushing. You wouldn’t want to irritate the treated area.
• Stick to soft foods.

The tips mentioned above will be essential in your recovery. The first importance of following the dentist’s aftercare tips is that it reduces the recovery period. In addition, the tips will also prevent swelling, discomfort, and infection. You will also have an easier time eating and drinking if you follow the aftercare tips.

When To Call the Dentist for Follow-Up Care After A Root Canal

Most people recover from a root canal treatment without any complications. However, this doesn’t mean there are no complications you might face that need immediate dental care.

A tooth crown is recommended after a root canal if your tooth is severely infected. Failure to have the crown placed in time can lead to the tooth cracking or breaking. You should call the dentist in Tru Plano Dental so that they can schedule a follow-up visit to treat your dental issue.

Despite it being rare, your tooth can get infected. One cause of infection is your tooth having a small perforation where bacteria can penetrate. When there’s a tooth infection, you might experience pain, swelling around the area, and pus coming out of the gums.