Root Canal Aftercare

Root canal therapy is a revolutionary restorative treatment that can repair a damaged tooth and prevent tooth loss. After your root canal, it’s important to follow your aftercare instructions very closely to ensure that you have a quick and speedy recovery. Here’s what you need to know about your root canal aftercare!

Eat Soft Foods

After your root canal, your tooth may be sore. We recommend eating soft foods for a week after your treatment to prevent agitating or irritating the healing tooth. Mashed potatoes, soup, eggs, boiled vegetables, yogurt, and oatmeal are great options to prevent irritation and boost your energy.

Clean Your Mouth Gently

Your tooth will be sensitive after your root canal. When you go to brush your teeth, make sure you brush gently over the healing tooth. If you have a temporary filling and are waiting for crown placement, it’s especially crucial to be careful when you brush.

Use Pain Medications As Directed & Ice Your Cheeks

Once your sedation or numbing medication wears off, you may start to feel tenderness or pain in your tooth. Take any prescribed medications as directed. If you did not receive prescribed pain medication, you can opt for an over-the-counter option to help reduce swelling and discomfort. We also recommend icing the area of your cheek closest to your treated tooth to help ease the pain.

Speak with Your Dentist If Any Issues Arise

If you are experiencing severe pain, have bad swelling, or get an abscess close to your healing tooth, contact your dentist right away. If a post-treatment issue arises, the sooner you seek treatment the less likely you are to get a dental infection or another serious issue.

Questions about root canals or aftercare? We’d love to answer them for you! Please contact Springhurst Hills Dentistry to learn more!

Posted on behalf of Dr. Lan Tran, Springhurst Hills Dentistry