Root Canal Therapy: Four Post-Treatment Tips for Uneventful Recovery

Root canal treatment is beneficial for patients with severe tooth decay and infections. This form of therapy is designed to limit the need for extraction when the dental root is infected. Typically, the dentist will create a hole at the bottom of the tooth and clear out the infected tissue. As a result, there will be no continued damage to the dental structure, and the functionality of the affected tooth will be restored after sealing. Root canal therapy is not a complicated procedure. However, there is a risk of infection and subsequent complications if the treated area does not heal correctly. Here are some simple tips to help you ensure smooth healing and recovery after your root canal treatment.

Follow the Antibiotic Prescription

Antibiotics are often prescribed after root canal therapy. The medication is intended to minimise the risk of the infection in the tooth recurring and spreading to other tissues in the oral cavity. The reinfection of your dental structures and associated tissues could force the extraction of your affected teeth. For maximum effectiveness, you should consume the antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor. Skipping some doses or failing to complete the recommended dosage might lead to complicated infections.

Manage the Pain

Root canal therapy can cause significant discomfort after the local anaesthesia wears off. However, in most cases, the pain is not severe and does not require special medication. If you are experience uncomfortable aching, you can purchase over-the-counter analgesics. Ideally, you should choose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers because they will also help in alleviating the swelling in the site of operation. If the pain persists for a prolonged period, you should consult your dentist.

Clean the Mouth

You should uphold healthy hygiene habits after your root canal treatment. Regular brushing will prevent the build-up of bacteria in your oral cavity and minimise the risk of another tooth infection. You should also floss to remove the food deposits between the teeth. You should not be aggressive when cleaning the area that was treated. However, you should not neglect it. You can also use an antimicrobial mouthwash to rinse out residue bacteria.

Eat with Care

You should choose your foods after the root canal therapy with care. In general, consuming hard and crunchy foods will stress the treated area and cause unnecessary pain. The pressure might also delay complete recovery. Therefore, you should choose soft foods to minimise dental strain and increased sensitivity. Also, you should consider chewing food using the unaffected side of the mouth until the pain diminishes.