5 TIPS TO SPEED UP ROOT CANAL RECOVERY

Do you love sugary foods like chocolates, sweets, candies, etc.? Did you know harmful bacteria in your mouth love these sugary foods, too? Lack of good oral care and unhealthy dental practices results in these bacteria colonizing and releasing harmful acids that break the enamel, forming dental cavities. Cavities pave the way for bacteria to reach the teeth roots and decay teeth. To close these cavities, a root canal procedure is carried out. While root canal therapy is quite common these days, the recovery from a root canal gets fastened by following a few tips mentioned below.

WHAT IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

Bacteria feed on the sugar and starchy compounds from the food we consume and form plaque that release harmful acids. These acids erode the enamel and form cavities through which bacteria attack the inner tissues and roots of the teeth. A root canal treatment is done to fill up these cavities and prevent the transmission of bacteria to the roots.

There are various types of dentists based on their specializations, and the one who performs root canal is known as an endodontist. During the root canal procedure, the endodontist creates a hole in the enamel of the affected tooth and exposes the infected pulp. The infected pulp gets removed, and the area is treated with a topical antibiotic or disinfectant to prevent re-infection. The canals are cleaned and then reshaped to enlarge the canal and house the filling material. Finally, a crown is placed on the tooth to keep the filling intact. The dentist allows choosing the type of dental crown that enhance the aesthetic value of your teeth. Thus root canal therapy saves your natural tooth from getting extracted.

TIPS FOR SPEEDY ROOT CANAL RECOVERY

1.KEEP YOUR HEAD ELEVATED 

After the root canal procedure is performed, take enough rest to alleviate the pain and swelling. While sleeping, use a double pillow to elevate your head for reducing the pain and fastening the healing.   

2.DO NOT EAT ANYTHING FOR A FEW HOURS

When your tooth gets treated with root canal therapy, there will be swelling and soreness for a few hours in the treated area. Do not eat anything until the numbness goes away. Once you feel the swelling gets reduced and the numbness is relieved, eat only soft foods like soup, yogurt, etc. Do no consume hard foods that irritate the treated tooth, and also do not try to bite or chew using the treated tooth. Avoid hot and acidic beverages, alcohol and strictly avoid smoking that adds to the inflammation and interrupt your root canal recovery. 

3.USE A COLD COMPRESS

To reduce the swelling and soreness, use a cold compress or an ice pack and massage the treated area. Apply the cold compress for 15 minutes several times a day to fasten the healing. You can also eat ice creams that act as a cold compress.

4.GARGLE WITH WARM SALTWATER

When your tooth is treated with root canal treatment, there are chances that gums get infected. To prevent gum infection and keep your mouth free from harmful bacterial reactions, gargle using warm saltwater. Warm salted water is an effective home remedy for teeth sensitivity that is caused post the root canal procedure for a week. 

5.VISIT THE DENTIST

Post the procedure, if you feel there is any unusual pain or symptom, visit the dentist at the earliest to get the issue sorted. Also, do not skip your regular dental visit post the procedure, where the dentist assesses your treated tooth and checks for any re-infection or other dental issues. Regular dental checkup saves your teeth and prevents major oral infections.

Along with the above-mentioned steps, makes sure you consume the medications as prescribed by the dentist to speed up the healing and prevent infections. Also, avoid strenuous activities and workouts for a few days post the procedure to help your tooth relax and recover. Once you recover from the root canal therapy, make it a habit to follow a daily dental routine and nourish good care for your oral health. Visit our clinic, The Elite Dental Care, the best dental clinic in Tracy, California for a painless root canal procedure, dental checkup and other dental procedures that preserve your oral health. 