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Root Canal Aftercare_ 3 Tips for a Quicker Recovery
Oct 24, 2019
A root canal is one of the most dreaded dental procedures, yet one of the most crucial as it involves deep cleaning the inner chamber of your tooth’s root. It is a procedure recommended by dentists upon discovering a decayed tooth that can no longer be treated with a simple crown or filling. A root canal is a major dental procedure that involves some pain and irritation. Because of this, most people shudder at the thought of undergoing one.
If you have an upcoming root canal procedure, calm yourself with the thought the pain is not forever. Pretty soon, your mouth—and you—will start feeling better. Meanwhile, there are ways to expedite your recuperation. Here are our three tips for recovering faster after a root canal:
1. Help your mouth
During the root canal procedure, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to reduce your discomfort. As it wears off, the pain and sensitivity will kick in. Because your mouth will feel swollen, do everything to help it cope with what it has just gone through.
Pay close attention to how you use your mouth. Wait for a few hours before you eat anything. When you do, avoid biting your tongue or grinding your teeth. If the swelling persists, you can use an ice pack to numb the discomfort. When you sleep, prop your head up with pillows for better blood circulation.
You might want to plan your meals for the first few days. The key is how to get proper nutrition while exerting the least effort from your mouth. Try a soft diet of soup, pureed foods, and smoothies.
If you’re a smoker, minimize your smoking or try to avoid it altogether over the next few days. Remember that the fewer chemicals that go into your mouth, the faster it will heal.
2. Avoid strenuous physical activities
A root canal is considered oral surgery. As such, you need to take it easy after the procedure. If you’re an athlete or an avid gym-goer, take some time off to rest. You may think that your body is up for the exercise, but there are advantages from resting right after a root canal procedure.
Ask your dentist when you can resume your regular daily routine. Exercising too soon may cause your tooth or gums to bleed again. If you must, try light physical activities such as walking around the block. Additionally, you can try stress-relieving activities such as meditation, tai chi, or light yoga positions.
3. Sleep well
Sufficient sleep is crucial for fast healing. When you sleep, all your cells work overtime to repair damaged cells and tissues. If you’re taking over-the-counter pain medicines, it’s best to stay off your feet and avoid driving right after the procedure. One way to get quality rest is by taking time off from work. You can file a leave from the office or plan your procedure on the weekend.
A successful root canal procedure can cause mild and discomfort for a few days. However, the pain will fade on its own with proper oral hygiene, nutrition, and rest. If the discomfort persists beyond three days, however, schedule a follow-up visit to your dentist immediately.
If you are looking for a root canal treatment in Mississauga,
get in touch with DAAS Dentistry to see how we can help!
Dr. Ehab Daas
Meet your doctor
Dr. Ehab is a passionate dentist with 15 years of dental experience. He received his D.D.S in 1997, and has practiced dentistry for 6 years since then. Immediately after that, Dr. Da'as moved to Paris to get his Orthodontics and Prosthodontic diploma's in which he specialized in fixed bridges and crowns. He graduated from France with remarkable achievements in 2005, and went on to work for 9 years, focusing on difficult orthodontics cases and satisfying his ortho patients. Dr. Ehab moved to Canada in 2014 to continue his career, where he is proud and extremely honoured to provide his patients with the highest quality service.
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