How to Care for Your Mouth Following a Root Canal Procedure

13 April 2021
 Categories: Dentist, Blog


After undergoing a root canal procedure, you can expect some pain and discomfort, which can last for a few days. It is entirely possible to manage the swelling, discomfort, and pain that accompanies the root canal. Keep reading to learn some aftercare tips that will help speed up your recovery.

Avoid Excess Pressure

The first thing that should be avoided is pressure on the affected area. This area is going to be swollen and sensitive after the procedure, so you do not want to aggravate the area since this could result in more pain than needed. Make sure that you do not chew on the side of the mouth where the root canal was performed, as this could exacerbate the pain. Your primary goal is to minimize the swelling as quickly as possible following the procedure, and the best way to achieve this is to give the affected area plenty of time to recover after the root canal.

Eat Very Carefully

While it is important to avoid eating on the side of the mouth where you had the root canal, it is just as important to be careful with the types of food and drinks that you choose to consume. For instance, you will want to avoid any foods that are difficult to chew. Instead, you want to choose foods that are easy to chew and swallow. In addition, due to the fact that your teeth are likely to be more sensitive than normal following a root canal, you will want to avoid any foods and drinks that are very cold or hot, since they can create more discomfort and sensitivity than necessary.

Brush With Ease

Following a root canal procedure, things tend to become a bit more difficult, such as your day-to-day care routine. However, your daily care routine is that much more important after a root canal so that you are able to prevent an infection from occurring. As you are brushing your teeth, you will want to take care when moving the toothbrush over the affected area. While you want to brush gently to avoid causing increased sensitivity and pain, you also want to be thorough so that you are killing any present bacteria. In addition, you should consider increasing the frequency of mouthwash use to keep the mouth clean after the procedure.

Manage the Pain

Although pain management is the top priority after your root canal, it is indeed something you will want to take note of since the discomfort is annoying. Ideally, the most effective way to manage your pain is to take anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication throughout the day. However, you should consult with your dentist before taking any kind of medication. In addition, the aforementioned tips will help with your pain management.

For more information about root canal treatment and aftercare, contact your dentist.


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