Root Canal Aftercare: How to Care for Your Tooth Post-Procedure
A root canal may be frightening, but it is a very effective and popular dental procedure that preserves infected teeth. Afterward, keeping your tooth in good shape will lead to healing nicely and long-term longevity of your tooth. If you’ve had a root canal treatment near you recently or are scheduled to have one, this blog post will provide you with step-by-step directions on what to do after the treatment.
Why Aftercare is Important
Although your root canal is complete, your healing isn’t finished immediately. Your tooth and surrounding tissues require time to heal, and your behavior during this period can influence the success of the procedure. Good aftercare minimizes pain, avoids infection, and prevents additional dental problems.
Following your root canal, you will be given advice from your dentist that will have been designed to meet your particular circumstances. Always adhere to those instructions to the letter.
If you have any doubts, a trusted dentist in Weymouth can answer your questions and help guide your recovery.
Manage Pain and Swelling
It’s normal to feel some soreness or discomfort for a few days after your root canal. You might also notice slight swelling. This is your body’s natural way of healing. To manage this:
- Take over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as advised by your dentist.
- Apply a cold pack on the outside of your cheek for 15–20 minutes at a time to help with swelling.
- Avoid very hot or very cold foods that can make your teeth more sensitive.
Pain usually gets better within a few days, but if it gets worse or doesn’t improve, reach out to your dentist.
Eating and Drinking Safely
After your root canal, it’s best to wait until the numbness wears off before you eat anything. This helps you avoid biting your tongue or cheek by accident. In the first couple of days, try eating soft foods that don’t require much chewing, such as
- Mashed potatoes
- Soup
- Smoothies
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs
Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods until your dentist gives you the okay. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth to protect the treated tooth.
Follow Good Root Canal Aftercare Habits
One of the most important parts of healing is keeping your mouth clean. Root canal aftercare should include regular brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the treated area. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid poking or pressing too hard on the tooth that had the root canal.
You might also want to rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of water) to help reduce bacteria and keep the area clean.
Be Aware of What’s Normal and What’s Not
During your root canal recovery, you might feel a bit of tenderness or pressure, especially when chewing. This can last a few days. However, if you experience any of the following, it’s important to contact your dentist:
- Severe pain that doesn’t go away
- Swelling that gets worse.
- A bad taste or smell coming from the treated area
- Fever
These could be signs of an infection or other issues, and getting help early will keep your recovery on track.
Long-Term Root Canal Recovery Tips
Even though your tooth has been treated, it still needs care just like your other teeth. Here are some long-term root canal recovery tips:
- Return to your dentist for any follow-up visits. You might need a crown placed on the treated tooth to protect it.
- Keep up your dental hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
- Avoid using the treated tooth to bite on very hard items like ice or candy.
- Get regular dental checkups every 6 months to keep all your teeth healthy.
Let Your Smile Heal Right — Book Your Visit Today!
Your tooth has been saved — now it’s time to take care of it! With the right aftercare and support, you can heal smoothly and enjoy a strong, pain-free smile for years to come. Whether you’re recovering or thinking about getting a root canal, the caring team at Weymouth Dental Arts is here to help every step of the way. Call today to book your appointment and give your smile the care it deserves!