Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that can save a severely infected tooth. However, even after your root canal procedure, taking care of your teeth is essential to keep your smile healthy. 

After a root canal, you need to take proper care of your teeth by following your dentist’s advice. It will speed up the healing process and ensure that the treatment lasts a long time.

In this blog, we will provide you with pro tips for post-root canal care and explain why follow-up appointments and continued long-term care are necessary to get the most out of root canal treatment.

Tips For Post Root Canal Care

Root canal treatment generally works effectively, with studies indicating that it is successful in 65 to 85% of cases. Follow these tips to have a smooth recovery phase:

Plan Your Recovery Period

Even if you feel ready to resume your normal routine, taking a break might help you relax and avoid placing pressure on your healing tooth. During the initial days after the procedure, indulge in soft meals like oats, yogurt, avocado, mashed potatoes, bananas, and soup (ensure it’s not excessively hot). 

Sometimes, after surgery, stress can aggravate pain. So, you should try to indulge in activities that can keep you calm and entertained. Keep yourself relaxed by listening to podcasts, music, or watching movies.

Take Anti-inflammatory Pain Medications as Directed

Follow your doctor’s advice about using anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and swelling. Normally, common painkillers are sufficient. 

However, we recommend anti-inflammatory medications because they are more effective at reducing swelling and soreness immediately. Inform your dentist of any allergies or medications you are currently taking so that he can prescribe medication accordingly.

Avoid Eating Immediately After Your Root Canal

If your mouth feels numb, wait until it goes away before eating. Avoid eating spicy foods and anything too cold or hot, as you may hurt yourself since the treatment area is sensitive.

Also, refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol while you’re recovering, as it can aggravate inflammation and delay your recovery.

Clean Your Teeth Gently at First

Ensure that you’re brushing your teeth gently after a root canal. Brush and floss normally, but try using salt water to rinse a few times per day to help clean the healing region. 

Avoid Exercising for a Few Days

Each person’s body is unique, and the time it takes to recover can differ. Usually, you should wait at least 24 hours or till you feel better before starting to exercise again. Exercising too soon increases blood flow to the treated area, causing it to swell. 

Furthermore, the medication used to numb your mouth during the procedure may cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy if you exercise, which could lead to injury.

Take things slowly, and you’ll be back to your usual routine before you know it.

Follow-up Appointments for Root Canal Treatment

After a root canal, you must attend follow-up appointments with your dentist. These appointments allow your dentist to place the cap, assess how well the treatment is functioning, address any issues, and make any necessary changes. Attending all of your follow-up appointments is necessary to ensure that your treatment goes as smoothly as possible.

Continued Long-Term Care for Root Canal Treatment

By emphasising long-term care after root canal treatment, you may ensure a successful and long-lasting recovery.

Maintain regular dental check-ups.

Ensure to continue your routine dental check-ups even after you’ve recovered from your root canal. These check-ups allow your dentist to monitor how your repaired tooth is doing and detect any concerns early. 

Maintain good oral hygiene.

Keeping your teeth and gums clean is crucial to ensure that your root canal treatment works effectively in the long term. Brush your teeth regularly to prevent future dental problems and maintain overall oral health.

Conclusion

Many individuals believe root canals are painful and take a long time to heal. However, the skilled dentists at Gnathos Dental make the recovery process smoother and quicker. 

You can also visit us for other services, including toothache treatment, invisible braces, cosmetic dentistry, Zirconia crowns, and dental implants. As a popular dental clinic in Hyderabad, we provide excellent, inexpensive, and personalized dental care. Our dental team works hard to make your visit pleasant and comfortable.