Are you recovering from a root canal procedure? Congratulations! You’ve just taken one step closer to taking better care of your oral health. We understand that a dental procedure can be overwhelming, so we want to ensure you have all the essential information regarding what to do next. Root canals are often deemed scary due to people not knowing what they should or shouldn’t do afterward. Many individuals need to learn that plenty of aftercare options are available regarding continuing treatment at home. In this post, we’ll provide some helpful tips and advice on how to ease your recovery period with the correct aftercare regimen for optimal results.
Dos of Root Canal Aftercare at Home
The things to do after undergoing root canal treatment at a dental office area
1. Take Your Prescribed Medications
Your dentist will likely prescribe you antibiotics or other medications following your root canal treatment. Be sure to take these as directed and finish the full course of medication even if you’re feeling better before then. This will help prevent any potential infections from occurring in the future.
2. Get Regular Checkups
You must visit your dentist for regular checkups after having a root canal so that they can monitor the condition of your newly restored tooth and the surrounding area for any signs of damage or infection. To keep things running smoothly, make sure to go for routine cleanings every six months as well.
3. Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits
While practicing good oral hygiene habits is always essential, it’s especially crucial when recovering from a root canal procedure. Make sure you brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss once daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash at least once daily. This will help keep bacteria levels low and ensure that everything is healing properly following the procedure.
Don’ts of Root Canal Aftercare at Home
Avoiding certain things after going for root canal treatment can be beneficial in the recovery process.
1. Avoid Chewing on Hard Foods
It can be tempting to sink your teeth into crunchy snacks like chips or hard candy right away after having a root Canal but try not to do this! Chewing on hard foods can put too much pressure on the newly restored area, which could cause damage or even lead to further infection down the line. Stick with softer foods like applesauce or mashed potatoes until everything has had time to heal properly.
2. Don’t Skip Out On Your Follow-Up Appointments
As mentioned above, you must attend all follow-up appointments with your dentist after a root canal procedure so that they can check up on everything and ensure there are no complications arising from the process itself or from improper care afterward. Skipping out on these appointments can lead to severe problems in the future so make sure to take advantage of one!
3. Avoid Smoking & Alcohol Consumption
Last but certainly not least – smoking and alcohol consumption are both big no-nos when it comes to recovering from a root canal procedure! Both of these substances can interfere with proper healing processes, potentially leading back into infection territory if left unchecked, so steer clear until everything has healed properly.
Final Takeaway
Recovering from a successful root canal treatment isn’t difficult—as long as you know what steps must be taken afterward! Following these tips will help ensure that everything heals properly while also reducing any risk of future complications arising in the process. Just remember – practice good oral hygiene habits regularly, get regular checkups with your dentist every six months, avoid chewing hard foods & smoking/drinking alcohol during the recovery period, and take prescribed medication as directed by the dentist! Most importantly – have patience—your smile will thank you later.
With these guidelines in mind, we hope that you feel confident about caring for yourself post-root canal treatment. So, get out there (once quarantine is lifted!) and show off those pearly whites proudly! Best of luck!
