Did you just get a root canal recovery? Or perhaps you had one some time ago and are wondering how to properly recover from this procedure? Either way, you’ve come to the right place, because we’re going to tell you exactly what not to do after having a root canal, as well as what you should do after having one. We’ll also give you general tips on the best way to prevent needing another root canal in the future. Let’s get started!
Should I take painkillers
Taking painkillers can help with symptoms, but long-term use is discouraged. Prescription painkillers are often covered by insurance and prescribed when appropriate, but overuse or misuse can lead to serious side effects and addictions. Also, experts agree that surgery is rarely necessary in root canal recovery; many cases of pain post-surgery are due to poor oral hygiene or improper healing. If you’re experiencing persistent pain post-root canal, consult your dentist again to find out what other treatment options may be available. In most cases, careful diet and good oral hygiene are enough to relieve symptoms; also try gentle home remedies like herbal teas or warm saltwater mouth rinses as they may help with discomfort and aid in healing. It’s important to keep up with regular dental checkups even if you don’t have any specific complaints—your dentist will still be able to identify problems early on.
How long will the pain last
Root canals are usually done under local anesthesia, so chances are you won’t even need to take a pain reliever afterwards. There will probably be some pain, though—and your tooth may feel sensitive or just plain weird—so over-the-counter medicines like Advil and Tylenol may help with that. The hard part of root canal recovery is how long it takes for our mouths to return to normal. Even though most root canals take less than an hour, it can take weeks for our nerves to recover. As soon as we bite down on something, there’s a chance we’ll feel pain—even if there’s nothing wrong with our teeth.
When can I eat normally again
Now that your root canal procedure is over, it’s time to focus on getting back to normal life. But what does that mean, exactly? It depends on your level of comfort. Many patients feel OK about eating and drinking within 24 hours of their procedure, and can resume most normal activities by 48 hours or so. You might have some mild soreness, but overall you’ll be in good shape to return to work and other activities. However, always listen to your own body and get clearance from your dentist before resuming any activity that could cause further discomfort—even sitting for too long or blowing your nose too hard might require some downtime. And don’t forget to schedule follow-up appointments with your dentist every six months!
When can I brush my teeth
Once your root canal recovery is complete, try not to brush your teeth or eat hard foods for several days. This will prevent any pain that could be caused by gums or jaw soreness and sensitivity. It may also help avoid another root canal procedure; brushing too soon can irritate your gums and make them tender, swollen and bruised — all of which lead to further problems. Leave it alone for two or three days, then you can start gently brushing again with soft bristles. Once you’re back on regular toothpaste again, use an antibacterial formula on a daily basis to kill bacteria in your mouth. This reduces plaque buildup on teeth and inhibits gum disease. Regularly gargle with warm salt water twice a day to relieve tooth pain from sensitive nerves.
When can I floss my teeth again
After your root canal, it’s important to avoid putting anything in your mouth that will risk injuring your tooth or root tip. This means no flossing, no chewing, and no brushing—except with a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. You may be able to use straws and eat softer foods within 24 hours of your procedure. But for the first week following your root canal treatment, you’ll want to minimize other contact with your mouth as much as possible so you can focus on healing.
When can I travel
Most people can travel shortly after having a root canal. The only thing you should refrain from doing is anything that would result in more pain, such as lifting heavy objects. As long as you’re not feeling any discomfort and are able to hold food and fluids down, traveling isn’t going to be an issue. As always, though, make sure to check with your dentist before leaving home; they will likely have their own recommendation for when it’s safe for you to leave their care. Your comfort level is of course also important. If being out of town makes root-canal recovery uncomfortable for some reason, don’t feel pressured into doing it!
How to handle infection
During root canal recovery, it’s vital to avoid any practices that could compromise your tooth and infection control. Don’t chew on that side of your mouth, particularly if you’re treating multiple teeth. If you bite down too hard while eating or chewing, it can cause pain or force bacteria into surrounding tissue, so be careful while eating. While eating soup is also typically safe during root canal recovery, avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits since they may irritate your tooth or mouth. Stay away from drinking through straws and using hot liquids since they may worsen any remaining infection in your root canal space.
