A root canal procedure is a very good dental treatment that will save your natural tooth by eliminating infected pulp and covering it up. Although some tenderness may follow, post-treatment care is an important factor in ensuring that healing occurs faster and that the situation does not lead to complications. You can spend less time and be more comfortable at the dentist by knowing how to treat your treated tooth.
What to Expect After a Root Canal
Some mild soreness or sensitivity might also be experienced in the area where the root canal therapy in Okotoks is done. It is a natural healing process when your body adapts to the treatment. The pain usually subsides in a couple of days and can be treated using over-the-counter painkillers at the suggestion of your dentist in Okotoks.
The treated tooth is temporarily filled during the recovery stage, and later on an artificial crown is normally fitted so that it can be fully functional. This is a very important stage in making your root canal successful, and following what your dentist tells you to do is very important.
Essential Post-Treatment Care Tips
- Avoid Chewing on the Treated Side
Until the time of your last crown, you should not chew any hard or sticky food on the treated side so that the temporary filling is not damaged or dislodged. - Keep Up Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Keep the area around the treated tooth clean using a toothbrush and floss in order to minimize reinfection. A soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste may help the patient be more comfortable. - Manage Discomfort with Care
The swelling or the pain, which may be mild, can be treated with cold compresses and analgesic medication. In case of severe pain, swelling, or presence of infection with fever or pus, contact your dentist. - Keep fluids and consume soft food.
During the initial few days, it is good to stick to soft food such as soups, smoothies, and mashed vegetables. Consumption of a lot of water is also healthy to clear bacteria and allow quick healing. - Go to Follow-Up Appointments.
Your dentist in Okotoks will plan a follow-up appointment to check the healing process and place a permanent restoration.
How to Avoid Root Canal in the Future
Root canal therapy is an effective way of saving the infected teeth, but prevention is better than cure. This is because you can greatly reduce the risk by maintaining good oral health and visiting your dentist in Okotoks regularly.
The following are some of the preventive measures:
- Clean your teeth two times a day, and floss at least once a day.
- Minimize cavity-causing foods that contain sugary and acidic foods.
- Apply fluoride toothpaste to fortify enamel.
- Arrange frequent dentist visits to find out about the decay in time.
- Wear a mouthguard when you grind your teeth or when you are playing a sport.
Such measures can make you keep your teeth healthy and prevent another root canal in the future.
Understanding Root Canal Recovery Time
The majority of patients are healed in a matter of a few days to a week based on the level of infection and individual healing ability. You should not take time in rushing on hard chewing or other oral activities that involve hard work until your dentist is sure you are fully recovered. A treated tooth might be used throughout life, and thus it can serve as a natural tooth would serve.
Conclusion
Root canal recovery can be successful and easy with proper attention and treatment. To get personalized attention towards dental care and long-lasting oral health, contact Essential Dentistry today.