Every year, about 15 million teeth are saved with root canal therapy in the United States. The procedure has helped many patients overcome their pain and keep their smiles intact. But like any procedure, the success of the root canal largely depends on the care you give yourself before and after your appointment. If you want to speed up recovery time and avoid a new infection later on, keep these 5 do’s and don’ts in mind when your dentist recommends root canal therapy.
1. Do Be Gentle with Your Teeth
After a root canal, your tooth will be sensitive and unprotected. Until you receive a crown, you’ll need to keep it safe. That means that you need to avoid chewing with that side of your mouth. Also, do not chew on fingernails, pen tips, or other hard, inedible objects.
2. Don’t Skip Your Oral Hygiene Routine
You do have to be careful about brushing and flossing the treated tooth, but by no means should you skip your oral hygiene routine altogether. Keeping this area clean is more important than ever while the mouth is still recovering. Be very gentle and avoid forcing the floss. Let your endodontist know if you’re having trouble; they can provide you with tips that will make the process easier.
3. Do Plan on Eating Before Your Appointment
Under normal circumstances, it should be okay for you to eat before a root canal treatment. Endodontists generally tell patients that they can enjoy a meal up to 1 hour before the procedure, although you might receive a different recommendation depending on the circumstances (such as having the procedure done while under sedation).
4. Don’t Eat Until the Numbness in Your Mouth Wears Off
For your comfort, your mouth will be numbed during root canal therapy. The effect will last for hours. Try not to eat until it wears off; there’s a very good chance of you biting your tongue without realizing it. When you are ready to start eating again, limit yourself to soft foods that won’t put too much stress on your teeth.
5. Do Treat Your Discomfort as Needed
Modern root canal therapy is actually much more comfortable than many patients think, but in the following days you’ll notice some soreness. You can take ibuprofen to manage the pain and reduce any inflammation that has occurred. Be ready to call your endodontist if you notice that the pain has lasted longer than expected.
These are just a few of the things you’ll need to keep in mind during the root canal process; your endodontist can give you further instructions as needed. By following their instructions carefully, you’ll be able to protect your tooth so that it stays in your smile for years to come.
About the Practice
At Endodontic Associates Saratoga, our patients can enjoy the expert attention of three dedicated endodontists. Each of them has completed a specialized endodontic program as well as years of hands-on experience performing root canal therapy and other tooth-saving services. If you have questions about the root canal procedure or would like to make an appointment, get in touch with our Saratoga office by visiting our website or calling (408) 255-6511.
