Getting a Root Canal? Know About The Proper Aftercare
Posted on: 17 February 2021
If you need to get a root canal soon, be aware that you will need to care for your tooth after the procedure to ensure that there are no complications. Here are some tips for handling root canal aftercare.
Temporarily Avoid Using the Tooth for Chewing
The tooth that had the root canal is going to be sore for a bit after the procedure. It is best to avoid using the tooth when possible for chewing. You do not want to deal with any unnecessary pain if it can be avoided, so consider sticking to softer foods right after the procedure is finished.
Keep Up With Oral Care
Your mouth may be sensitive after a root canal, but you should maintain proper oral care after the procedure by brushing and flossing. Tartar can turn into plaque quite fast if you go a few days without brushing the area where you had a root canal. Just make sure to be careful and not overly aggressive with your brushing while the area heals.
Avoid Smoking
The last thing you want to do is cause complications with the healing process, which can easily happen if you start smoking afterward. Your gums are going to be tender, and smoking within a day or two of your root canal can cause problems with your gums. Also, the sucking motion from smoking a cigarette can put a lot of pressure in your mouth that is not good for the affected area.
Rinse Your Mouth With Salt Water
It will help to use a salt water rinse after your root canal to help keep the area clean. Salt water is going to flush away bacteria and promote healthy healing as a result. Just make sure to swish the salt water gently to avoid causing any sort of disruption to your gums.
Take All medication
If you were given an antibiotic from your dentist to deal with a potential infection, you should take the entire medication as directed. Don't stop taking the antibiotic when you feel like you are getting better, because it can cause an infection to return that is on its way out.
Contact Your Dentist If You're Concerned
If you have concerns, don't be afraid to contact your dentist and ask them about root canal treatment options. They'll advise you about if what you are feeling is normal or not, and let you know when it is time to come back to have the tooth looked at.
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