Important Tips for Faster Recovery from Root Canal Treatment

Saving a tooth doesn’t end with root canal treatment. Recovery is just as important as securing a long-lasting natural smile. If you suffer from an infection in the pulp or root of a tooth, chances are you'll be referred for root canal treatment by your primary dental care provider.

It’s important to do the right activities after the procedure so your recovery is safe and fast. Avoid pain and prolonged symptoms by taking extra care of yourself while healing. Rushing your body will only make things worse and your recovery longer. To get the best out of the treatment, make sure to follow every root canal post-treatment advice.

1. Don’t eat right after

Root canal treatment employs anaesthetics to numb the affected area. This usually lasts until the operation is finished so a root canal specialist may advise you against eating until the effect wears off. Numbness in the mouth area can cause you to accidentally bite your tongue and cheeks. You won’t also be able to protect yourself through crucial reflex actions when you eat food that is too hot or cold. What you can do is eat before the procedure so you won’t be hungry the moment you’re done.

2. Cold Compress

Normally, the affected tooth and the surrounding area remain inflamed after the procedure. This is a common side effect. The root canal post-treatment advice for this is to keep your head elevated and you may also want to apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and relieve pain. There are cold compress packs available on the market, but you can opt for DIY. Wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth, then apply it for 20 minutes every 20 minutes.

3. Food to eat and avoid

After the procedure, you can inquire with the root canal specialist about the foods you can eat and those you have to avoid temporarily, at least while you’re recovering. There’s a pretty straightforward guide that you can follow: avoid hard and hot foods; opt for soft and cold foods instead. Hard and hot foods can break a temporary or permanent crown, which is applied to protect the inside of your tooth. After a few days, you can gradually go back to your usual diet, which may include hard and hot foods.

4. Get Enough Rest

Rest is extremely important after any procedure, including a root canal treatment. Give your body enough time to rest, recover, and heal from the infection it sustained and from enduring the demands of the operation. A very vital piece of root canal post-treatment advice is to stay away from strenuous activities like workout routines, some household chores, and rigorous tasks on the job to recover faster and prevent further swelling and complications.

5. Keep your teeth and gums clean

Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial to avoiding further dental infections and damage. Your teeth and gums may still be inflamed in the first few days and it would be painful to brush. Your root canal specialist may recommend rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, which can cleanse and kill bacteria in your mouth. You should go back to brushing and flossing after the inflammation has settled. Brush with extra care on the affected area, especially when a temporary crown is applied.

6. Pay attention to your body

If there’s somebody who knows how you feel, it’s you. Pay attention to how your body reacts and recovers. Check the pain and watch out for any unusual symptoms that may occur after the procedure. Listen to everything that your dentist or root canal specialist will tell you so you’re aware when symptoms are abnormal or prolonged. Take good care of yourself and relieve pain through rest and other post-treatment remedies.

7. Follow Up with Your Dentist

If you indeed experience unusual symptoms and persistent pain, it’s time to visit your dentist and schedule an immediate follow-up checkup. It’s possible that an infection persisted or a new one appeared. Visit your specialist so they can identify the problem, check your recovery progress, provide treatment, and give you another root canal post-treatment advice that will stop further complications.

Recover faster from root canal treatment

Recovery may take 1 to 2 weeks. Make sure to give yourself enough rest and take extra care of your body. Follow every root canal post-treatment advice, as it will help you heal fast and safely. If unusual symptoms occur, go back to the clinic and seek consultation from an expert.