Root canals are routine procedures in a dentist’s office, though it may not feel that way to you. If you’re getting ready to see your Annapolis family dentist about a root canal, you probably have some fear about what the aftermath will be like – that’s totally normal. After all, we cater to cowards, so we know and understand that there’s some fear that comes with a root canal. There are a few things that you should do to take care of your mouth after you’ve had a root canal procedure done.
- Do not eat immediately – Your mouth will be numbed before the root canal is performed. If you’re not careful directly after the procedure, you can bite into your cheek, lip, or tongue, which can be very painful once the anesthetic wears off. You should also avoid chewing using the tooth that received the root canal until your dentist puts a crown over it to avoid extra pain or the filling coming out.
- Take your medication – Once your root canal is over, there’s no reason to continue to be in unnecessary pain. Taking your pain medication as prescribed will help reduce your pain and help you get back to your normal life and routine much more quickly. Be sure to keep an eye out for an allergic reaction, though. If you find that you have hives or a rash, you should contact a doctor immediately.
- Resume oral hygiene routine – Continue to brush and floss your teeth like you normally would. If you aren’t currently in a good oral hygiene routine, post root canal is a great time to get started with one. Talk to your Annapolis family dentist about what routine will work best for you, but in general you should be brushing at least twice per day and flossing once. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can help you to avoid another root canal.
- Keep a close eye on things – Having another root canal probably isn’t high on your list. Making sure that you’re paying attention to the tooth that you had the root canal on can help you prevent future trips to the dentist to receive another in that tooth. If there is swelling, your original symptoms return, or if your bite feels uneven, you need to contact your Annapolis family dentist right away.
If you take care of your mouth properly post root canal, you should be back to normal very soon. Call your Annapolis family dentist if you notice anything suspicious after the procedure or if you have any questions. Need an appointment? contact Annapolis Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today! We look forward to helping you on the road to recovery!
Source: AAE