More than 15 million root canals are done on Americans each year. If you’re getting a root canal soon, then you should know a thing or two about the recovery process.
What is a typical root canal recovery time? What are the crucial root canal recovery tips that everyone should know? What should I do and what should I avoid?
That’s what we’re here to look at today. Read on to find out more about root canal recovery.
What Is a Root Canal And What Should I Expect?
A root canal treatment is one where bacteria from your infected root canals get eliminated. It saves the natural tooth while preventing any further infections down the line.
The outer layer of your tooth is called the enamel, and it’s a network of blood vessels, nerves, and tissue called the pulp. The pulp keeps your teeth alive but can cause some pain when it’s damaged or infected.
The infected and inflamed pulp is removed during a root canal and the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. It’s also filled and sealed at the very end.
While that description may seem intimidating, root canals are actually pretty straightforward. You’ll most likely be under some local anesthesia and be in and out of the office in less than two hours.
Most people don’t experience any extreme pain, so there’s not much to worry about there. Your operators will take good care of you, so taking care of yourself after the procedure becomes that much more crucial.
Root Canal Recovery Tips
In terms of recovering after a root canal, knowing what to do and what not to do will simplify your experience. Let’s go over these do’s and don’ts here:
Don’t
There’s going to be some numbness in your mouth after your procedure, so definitely avoid eating right after you get home. In fact, avoid eating right away under any circumstance.
Don’t bite directly onto the tooth you just got the procedure done either. Be sure to keep this up until all the tenderness is gone.
In terms of foods to avoid, try to stay away from things that get stuck in your teeth. Avoid hot fluids and alcohol, and try not to drink anything from a straw.
Do
You’re inevitably going to experience some swelling and tenderness in your mouth after you get home. If you lift your head a little bit throughout the day and at night, it’ll alleviate those symptoms.
Do take over-the-counter pain killers if you’re able. Your dentist will likely recommend ibuprofen and similar products to quell your discomfort.
Warm salt water can clean and disinfect your mouth and prevent further infections. Try a ratio of half a teaspoon of sale to a cup of warm water (not hot water).
If you’re getting your root canal procedure done soon, schedule yourself out of any strenuous activities like exercise or even walking long distances. It’s good to just sit back and relax until the swelling subsides.
Recovery After Root Canal
Root canals can be intimidating, but it’s not as complicated or scary as some people think. Use this guide to understand what you should and shouldn’t do during a root canal recovery.
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