How to Recover From Root-Canal Treatment: At-Home Care

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures and involves eliminating bacteria from the infected root of a tooth. The aim is to relieve symptoms related to an infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth. When decay gets into the soft, innermost core, the pulp can become inflamed or infected, or even die.

During a root canal procedure, your dentist will extract bacteria and decay from the tooth pulp, root and nerve, disinfect the area with antibiotics, fill the empty roots with a special filling and then seal the area to prevent new decay. Despite common fears about the procedure, root canal treatments are essentially pain-free and easy to recover from with minimal at-home care following the procedure.

Avoid Eating Straight Away

Wait until you’re no longer numb before attempting to eat anything so you avoid biting your tongue or cheeks. Soups, smoothies and soft food like mashed potatoes, hummus and scrambled eggs are usually good options for your first meal after the procedure. When consuming food or drinks for the next few days, aim to:

• Eat on the unaffected side (the side that isn’t numb)
• Eat foods that don’t require lots of chewing or hard biting
• Take your time and eat slowly
• Avoid very hot food and drinks

Your dentist can provide you with specific advice if you need clarification. Avoid smoking or vaping for the first 24 hours. The less interference your mouth has with foreign chemicals and products, the better.

Avoid Strenuous Exercise for a Couple of Days

Avoid strenuous, high impact exercise for the first two days after the procedure or opt for exercise with minimal strain/impact such as walking or bike riding. Exercising too much too soon can sometimes result in pain and swelling. Ask your dentist for specific advice for you about exercising.

Monitor Your Symptoms

As the medication used to numb your mouth during the procedure wears off, you may feel some tenderness in the area for a few days as everything heals and some mild soreness in your jaw from keeping your mouth open for an extended period during the procedure. While you may experience a slightly different sensation from your treated tooth than your other teeth for a time, you should contact your dentist immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain or pressure lasting more than a few days
• Visible swelling inside or outside your mouth
• An allergic reaction to any medication you were given
• Your bite feels uneven
• The temporary crown or filling, if one was put in place, comes out
• Return of symptoms you experienced prior to treatment

After the root canal is complete, most people have a crown put on. Often the crown is temporary, while a permanent one gets created. If you notice pain or irritation when you eat or bite down, tell your dentist. Monitor your mouth the same way after you get your permanent crown.

Schedule a Check-Up With Your Dentist

Schedule an appointment with Dentists on the Gold Coast today on 07 5531 2053 or make a booking online. Our dedicated team provides a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry services including root canal treatments in a relaxed atmosphere.