Root Canal Post Treatment Care

When your tooth becomes infected, inflamed, or injured, it may be necessary to remove the pulp and nerve tissue from the inside of your tooth in order to save it from being lost. This treatment is called a root canal because it involves removing the tooth’s “nerve.” But don’t worry ― the parts of your teeth that are responsible for feeling pain are not removed during a root canal procedure. In fact, your dentist in Rolesville will take great care to make sure the entire procedure is as painless as possible. 

After your root canal treatment, your tooth will be tender for a few days. Here are some tips to help you recover quickly.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Once your root canal treatment is complete, your dentist may give you additional instructions to follow at home for the best results. Typically, the treated tooth should be cleaned with a toothbrush at least twice a day or as directed by your dentist. An antiseptic mouthwash may also be recommended after the procedure to help treat any remaining bacteria. If a temporary filling was used during your appointment, it should also be removed within a few weeks to return the tooth to its original shape before a permanent restoration is placed. You may also need to return to the dentist to have a new dental crown placed on the tooth once it has fully healed from the procedure.

Eating Soft Foods

After having a root canal, we recommend that you eat only soft foods for a few days while the treatment site heals and your mouth adjusts to the new crown or filling. This includes foods such as yogurt, applesauce, pasta, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, cakes, and ice cream. Avoid eating hard foods that could damage your new tooth, such as ice, chips, nuts, candy, or popcorn kernels. You should also avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed. This will keep your mouth from becoming irritated and help it heal faster. If your diet is limited and you’re still hungry, we recommend drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcoholic beverages after having a procedure done as they can cause dehydration. 

Rinsing and Brushing

Once your root canal is completed, it’s important to gently rinse your mouth with an antibacterial solution to remove any residual bacteria. This can prevent an infection from occurring and relieve any pain you may experience due to inflammation from the procedure. Rinse the solution around your teeth for about one minute to effectively clean the entire mouth.

It’s best to wait about 24 hours before brushing your treated teeth. This gives the tissues in your mouth time to heal and prevents any additional damage. Instead, you can rinse the mouth with salt water a few times a day to dislodge any food particles and help soothe irritated gums.

Once it’s time to brush again, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to clean the affected teeth. It is best to brush your teeth in small circles rather than back and forth or up and down in order to prevent further irritation to the sensitive tissue. Be sure to carefully disinfect the toothbrush once you’re done using it by rinsing it with water and storing it in a safe place until the next day’s use.

If your gums are sore after the procedure and you experience any discomfort, ice packs can be applied to the area for 15 minutes at a time. An over-the-counter pain medication may also be helpful until your body has healed completely.

If you have concerns about dental health or wish to learn more tips to improve your oral health, visit Elan Dental or call us at (919) 556-6761 and schedule an appointment.