What to Do After a Root Canal
Root canal treatment is extremely common and is the only way for you to save a natural tooth once decay has reached its root. However, you might not be looking forward to the procedure and may worry about whether it will be painful both during and after. There is no need for you to be concerned though, as long as you know what to do. Anaesthesia will take away the pain during the procedure and following proper procedure aftercare will keep you comfortable when you get home and ensure the root canal’s long-term success.
Why is Root Canal Aftercare So Important?
Once you’ve searched for the best dentist near me in Canberra and found what dentist does root canals, you might think your work is done. However, while choosing a qualified and experienced dentist to perform the procedure is vital, so is looking after your tooth when you get home.
Our mouths are vulnerable places that are susceptible to infection. We have to eat and drink, and by doing that, we give bacteria a chance to enter our bodies. So while in the short term you may be concerned about pain and inflammation, you also need to think about how to look after your tooth once any pain subsides. Ultimately, if you want to prevent infections, proper aftercare is essential.
How Much Does Root Canal Cost?
When you try to find affordable root canal treatment near me, it can be difficult to know which Woden dentist to choose. Ultimately, you need to find a dentist that is highly experienced in performing root canals and that has dealt with a variety of complex cases. However, by having the best care on your side, you’ll also receive the best advice. That means that you’ll have confidence in just what to do to give your tooth the best possible chance of lasting for years to come.
The Three Stages of Root Canal Recovery
When it comes to your aftercare, it can be explained in three distinct stages, based on the time that has passed since your root canal procedure:
- Immediately after – your mouth will still be numb for a few hours, make sure that you don’t chew anything or drink anything hot. You may bite too hard on your tooth, accidentally bite your cheek or burn yourself. Instead, take it easy, have some water and take any pain medication as indicated by your dentist.
- A few days later – any pain or swelling you’re experiencing should be subsiding, although you may still want to take medication as prescribed. You’ll want to continue to eat carefully with softer foods and make sure to chew on the other side of the root canal site.
- In the future – as with any procedure, the most important thing is to maintain good oral hygiene to help prevent any further decay. You’ll also want to ensure you visit your dentist regularly so that any other issues are detected sooner rather than later.
The Importance of Follow-Up Appointments
You’ll more than likely be pain-free within a few days of your root canal, but that is no reason to ignore your follow-up appointments. Obviously, if you have any prolonged pain or swelling, then it’s vital to visit your Canberra dentist. However, In many cases, the filling won’t be strong enough for long-term use, so you’ll need to have a crown fitted at some point. Visiting your dentist regularly is the only way for you to know if you need any additional procedures and when it is best to have them.
Hopefully, you’ll feel pretty relaxed after your root canal treatment, especially as the procedure is relatively painless and causes only mild discomfort afterwards. However, it’s vital to look to follow your dentist’s post-procedure guidance if you want to maintain a fully functioning tooth into the future.
