6 Tips For A Quick Root Canal Recovery

Root canals are performed to save a tooth that is severely decayed or infected. When a tooth’s inner nerve and pulp become infected, root canal treatment is necessary. During the treatment, the nerve and pulp of the tooth are removed and the inside is cleaned, then sealed to help prevent any future infection. After your root canal, your mouth will be numb for a few hours but as the numbness wears off, you may feel some pain and discomfort. Follow these tips for root canal recovery to help speed up your recovery time.

1. Elevate your head. Keeping your head elevated after the procedure will help minimize the discomfort and swelling.
2. Don’t eat anything while your mouth is numb. Waiting to eat until the numbness wears off will help prevent you biting down on the tooth too hard, causing more pain and possible infection.
3. Take pain relievers as instructed. Your dentist will give you a list of medications that you can take, and which ones to avoid.
4. Don’t consume any tobacco products, such as cigarettes or chewing tobacco.
5. Avoid alcohol for the first few days following your procedure.
6. When you can, eat softer foods and chew on the opposite side from the side your procedure was performed on.

Caring For Your Treated Tooth

Root canals are a restorative dental procedure to help save a tooth from requiring extraction. Many people who get a root canal experience positive long-term results. However, like most dental procedures, how long your treatment lasts depends on you. Following our root canal recovery tips listed above are a great start. Caring for your teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day, seeing your dentist regularly, and overall practicing good oral hygiene habits will help your restored tooth last as long as possible.