How to care for your root canals
Most root canals are routine, with patients returning to their normal activities the next day. Taking care of your root canals is not difficult but here are a few things to keep in mind.
Root canal guidelines
Brush and floss. Maintain a good oral hygiene routine after your procedure. Plaque is the source of tooth decay and is something you do not want for your newly repaired tooth. Do not brush too aggressively though, this may cause the filling to come out leading to hypersensitivity.
Track the swelling on your tooth. During the first few days after treatment, swelling is not unusual. However, it should keep going down as you heal. If not, let us know.
Monitor hypersensitivity. Sensitivity is also expected post-procedure. However, it should reduce with time as well.
Report uncomfortable fillings or crowns. The filling or dental crown will feel strange for a couple of days before you get used to it. After that adjustment, report any new, unusual discomfort.
Visit your local dentist regularly. It’s important to see your local dentist every 6 months. They remove tartar and keep your oral health in check, avoiding decay and cavities.
How long does root canal recovery take?
Typically, root canal recovery lasts about a week. Mild discomfort may be present for a few days, but this can be managed with over the counter pain medication. If you have severe pain or discomfort that lasts longer than a week, please let us know.
Can I eat after a root canal?
Yes, but it’s important to wait till the numbness wears off. The effects of the anesthesia usually last a few hours. If you don’t wait, you risk biting your lip or burning yourself on hot food without knowing it.
Stick with softer foods like pastas, mashed potatoes, smoothies, oatmeal, soups, and yogurts for the first couple of days. Introduce solid food as your comfort and confidence level improves.
Can you smoke after a root canal?
This is not recommended. Smoking interferes with healing. It also increases the likelihood that you’ll need more dental work in the future.
How long do root canals last?
As with all dental procedures, results are not guaranteed. However, when root canal therapy is performed correctly and you take proper care of your teeth, results can last the rest of your life.
What if there are complications with my root canals?
Most root canals (95%) are successful, but there are some possible complications to be aware of.
Contact us if you develop any of the following:
Visible swelling inside or outside of your mouth.
An allergic reaction to medication, including rash, hives or itching. Nausea is not an allergic reaction.
Your original symptoms return.
Your bite feels uneven.
If your tooth has more roots than the dentist expects, one may remain untreated. This would leave some infection in your tooth, and you’d still experience pain.
In some cases, the sealant used in a root canal can break down over time, which allows bacteria to reach the inside of your tooth. Regular checkups with your local dentist is the best way to avoid this particular complication.
In rare instances, there’s a crack in the root of the tooth that goes unseen.
Often when these situations occur, repeating the root canal procedure can save the tooth.