It is possible to save a badly decayed or broken tooth. Root canal therapy is done when the tooth’s nerve tissue or the pulp becomes inflamed from deep decay, tooth fracture, or cracks in the tooth. The Dentist will remove the nerve, disinfect and shape the canal(s), and then place a root filling to preserve the tooth. After healing time, a permanent crown or restoration will be placed to restore strength and function to your tooth.

Here are a few simple points to encourage healing after a root canal treatment:

DO:

DON’T:

Maintain Mouth Hygiene

Brush twice a day and use an alcohol-free mouthwash for a fresh mouth. Flossing gently is recommended, especially around the treated tooth. The healing process is faster in a clean mouth.

Skip Appointments

It is important to keep any recommended appointments to check healing of the treated tooth. Maintaining your regular hygiene appointments is also necessary to avoid bacteria and infection in the mouth and around the treated tooth.

Eat Soft Food

Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth as much as possible to reduce pressure. A crown will be placed once the tooth has healed for strength and function.

Eat Hard and Chewy Foods

Avoid chewing any foods that are hard or require excessive chewing like gum, candy, or bagels since this will aggravate the healing tooth and can cause it to break.

Get a Permanent Restoration Placed

A temporary filling will be placed when the tooth is treated.  This filling will erode with time. Book an appointment to get a permanent crown as per your Dentist recommendations.

Consume Extreme Hot or Cold Food

You may experience sensitivity in the affected area for up to 4-6 weeks after treatment. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods or beverages to promote healing and prevent aggravation of the tooth.

Use Ice Packs

If any minor swelling occurs, place an ice pack wrapped in a towel over the area where the tooth was treated. Do this off and on for 10 mins at a time to numb the area and decrease swelling.

Skip Prescribed Pain Medications

Your dentist will prescribe antibiotics and any necessary medications to promote the healing process and ease the pain. Be sure to follow the instructions and taken all medications as prescribed.

Saline Gargle

Gargle with a salt water rinse 3-4 times daily to eliminate bacteria and promote healing. A clean mouth heals faster.

Ignore Evident Pain

You will likely feel some sensitivity after the root canal treatment. But if the pain worsens and grows unbearable, it may be due to the presence of microscopic bacteria.  Contact your dentist if your pain is increasing.

Your root canal treatment is a process that may take a number of visits to effectively complete. Likewise, a permanent restoration will require separate visits to restore strength back to the tooth. The after-care tips should be followed very carefully for proper healing. Please call our office with any questions or concerns.

Posted in Clinical Advice and Oral Health Tips