Patients who suffer from a persistent toothache or extremely sensitive tooth often need root canal treatment. It is a major operation that is usually done by a specialist in endodontics in Centennial. It involves deep cleaning of the inner chamber of the tooth, which can result in irritation of the surrounding gums and nerves.
Although it can be painful at first, properly managing it after the procedure is a must to prevent infection. So, here are a few dos and don’ts you must keep in mind following your root canal treatment for faster healing and recovery.
Avoid stress on the tooth
Unlike a dental crown, a root canal leaves your tooth unprotected. So, it is best to avoid chewing on the corner of your mouth where you had this procedure done. Doing so will help reduce the stress on the treated area.
Do a few stress-relieving exercises
Another way of alleviating the pain is through stress-relieving activities. Examples are yoga, meditation and tai chi to help you take your focus off the discomfort and pain.
Eat soft foods
Eating hard or crunchy foods will only increase the chances of breaking the temporary filling. The temporary filling acts as a barrier until the permanent restoration is in place. You should avoid these types of foods until the pain improves or you have the final restoration. Doing so will allow the treated area to heal properly.
Gently brush your teeth
You need to be careful when flossing and brushing the treated area. Bear in mind that the tooth and the surrounding gums are still sensitive. So, it needs proper care and attention. You need to be careful when flossing your teeth, especially around the temporary filling. Brushing too hard can cause a few damages to the treated area as well.
Consider getting a crown
Getting a cap or a crown on the affected area can give it the protection that it needs. A root canal removes the inner part of your tooth, which makes the foundation weaker. Putting a crown in a second procedure can strengthen your tooth, giving it enough resistance against pressure. If you need a recommendation, you can consider same day dental crowns in naples.
Take a pain reliever
If you still feel pain and can no longer manage the discomfort, you can ask your doctor for a pain reliever prescription. Although there are non-prescription drugs available, it is always best to ask your doctor about it first. A few anti-inflammatory medicines are ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Taking pain relievers will help reduce the pain in the first few days post-treatment.
Undergoing a root canal procedure can be mildly painful for a few days. But it should slowly go away naturally if you keep your teeth and mouth clean. You should also visit your dentist a few days after the treatment to check on its progress.
The recent advances in medicine now let patients experience less to no pain after going through the procedure. But if you feel like it does not go away or only increases in intensity, then you should request for a checkup immediately.
