As dentists, we are well aware of the stigma surrounding root canal. We see the grimaces people make when hearing those two words put together, but we are here to tell you it’s actually a very routine procedure!
Not only is it standard practice, but it’s an imperative method of tooth protection, as it is vital to remove any pulp in the teeth that have become damaged or infected. Once this severely unwanted pulp is removed, the teeth are then cleaned and sealed, ensuring a new lease on life for a tooth that could have become severely infected.
Once your first class root canal treatment is performed you will be able to go home. But, like other medical procedures, it is important that you take good care of yourself and your oral hygiene upon returning home.
By doing the following, you will be able to hasten recovery as well as enjoy a more effective result from your procedure:
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Ensure you have someone to help you out
You will be placed under a general anaesthetic for the duration of your procedure. Whilst this will help reduce or alleviate any pain you may experience during the procedure, it also means that you might feel pretty groggy for a few hours after your treatment, and you know what this means: absolutely no driving home alone!
Instead, ensure you have someone present who can help you throughout the rest of the day you need to spend at home. It is likely you won’t be going back to work on the day of this procedure, so kick back, relax and allow a good friend or loved one to look after you whilst you recover from the procedure and the general anaesthetic.
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Avoid eating for a while after your procedure
Your teeth (and especially the affected tooth) will likely be a little sensitive after the procedure. This is why we recommend avoiding food for some time after the procedure, just to ensure you don’t agitate the sensitive tooth!
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Keep your head elevated when sleeping
Sleeping can cause patients discomfort when recovering from this procedure. Therefore, it is important to keep the head elevated when sleeping. Do this for the first few days at least to ensure your teeth and gums are more comfortable when hitting the hay!
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Take pain medication
You may feel some pain when the general anaesthetic wears off. So, pick up some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication to ensure you are more comfortable in the days immediately following the procedure.
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The old salty water technique
Never goes astray, especially as the gums surrounding the tooth are susceptible to infection. By gargling warm, salty water, you will be going a long way to keeping the mouth clean and this, obviously, fights off any potential infection!
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Take it easy!
Seriously, this is one of the ultimate excuses to chill out for a day or two, so feel free to lie around, watch your favourite series and enjoy some time resting up!
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Stay away from inflammatories
Anything that could cause inflammation during this recovery period could cause serious pain, too. So, try to avoid all the things that could potentially harm or inflame your mouth and gums: unhealthy foods, excessively hot beverages, drinking, smoking – the usual suspects!
By following these important dental EHR tips, you will be going a long way to ensuring your teeth – and especially that of the treated tooth – are clean and healthy after your root canal.
This way, you will be able to recover quickly and efficiently, allowing you to get on with your life without the worry of a damaged tooth getting you down!
