Root Canal Therapy Recovery
When a tooth becomes infected, one of the best options for treatment is root canal therapy. During a root canal, the infected pulp within a tooth is removed and the treated tooth is capped with a dental crown. This restores your ability to bite and chew while protecting the underlying tooth structure from further damage or harm. Dr. Charles Casey and Dr. Patrick Casey have performed numerous root canals at their Montreal, QC dental centre.
Many patients who undergo a root canal wonder about the recovery process and what is involved. We would like to offer a brief overview of the root canal recovery and what you an expect.
Soreness and Discomfort After Root Canal
Root canals have developed a reputation for severe pain and discomfort in popular culture. While root canal therapy does cause soreness, it is generally not as severe as it’s made out to be on TV and in the movies. That said, the soreness can be quite pronounced for some patients, which is why proper aftercare is so essential.
Root canal patients may be prescribed pain killers after their procedure is completed. Take these as directed and do not exceed the recommended dosage. The use of a cold compress against the face is also helpful for swelling and discomfort. Leave the compress on your cheek for about 15 to 20 minutes before taking it off for the same amount of time. Repeat the use of the cold compress as added to manage your soreness.
Adjusting Your Diet
To help prevent serious discomfort as you’re recovering, it’s a good idea to temporarily alter your diet after a root canal. The team at Smile Montreal recommend that patients eat soft foods and smoothies after their root canal is performed. Avoid any foods with seeds, small crumbs, or that require a lot of major crunching and chewing to eat.
Additionally, we recommend that patients avoid food items and beverages that are hot or cold in temperature as a way of avoiding sharp bouts of tooth sensitivity. When possible, patients should try to avoid biting and chewing directly on the capped tooth. This helps avoid pain and will improve the overall recovery experience.
Proper Oral Hygiene
Your oral hygiene routine should be relatively the same after you’ve undergone a root canal. You should brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Ideally, brush and floss after every meal. You’ll likely be instructed to use an antiseptic mouthwash as well to help control oral bacteria and avoid issues with healing.
Be gentle while you clean your teeth. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and to be thorough but delicate. Be careful when cleaning the crown itself as you do not want to dislodge it or cause pain while keeping your mouth clean.
Attending Follow-Up Visits at Our Practice
After root canal therapy, patients will have multiple follow-up visits at our practice to monitor their recovery process. Be sure to attend all of these follow-up visits, and to contact the practice if any issues arise during the recovery process. We want to make sure you heal fully and can return to normal activities as soon as possible.
Contact Our Dentists
To learn more about recovery after a root canal has been performed, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. The team at Smile Montreal can be reached by phone at (514) 937-6558.
