The very idea of a root canal is enough to make many people wince and hold a hand over their mouth. They’re not something we ever want to deal with, but root canals can be beneficial to a lot of people. If you have to have one, we’ll take a look at what you should know after getting a root canal so that you can recover as quickly as possible.
You Should Explore Your Options
A root canal is usually the beginning of a person’s path to good overall dental health. You’ll need to decide what you want to do with the space left open after the root canal. Advancements in dental implant technology and procedures make it a good option for replacing that missing tooth, especially since they are becoming more affordable for many. Talk to your dentist and explore what options you have after the root canal.
Be Careful With What You Eat
Eating after a root canal can be an unpleasant experience for the first few days. You’ll want to carefully consider what your mouth can handle and what might cause you more harm. For example, you don’t want to try eating or drinking anything too hot or too cold since extreme temperatures can irritate the extraction site. Stick to softer foods, such as oatmeal, yogurt, pasta, milkshakes, or smoothies, for an easier time.
Pain Will Vary Between People
As the numbness from the procedure fades, you’ll likely experience some amount of pain. Depending on your pain tolerance, this could range from mild annoyance to severe pain. Your dentist will likely give you a prescription for some strong painkillers. Even if you don’t expect to be in too much pain, it’s a good idea to grab these just in case. If the pain isn’t too bad, you can rely on over-the-counter medication instead.
Gently Brushing Is Important
An important thing to know after getting a root canal is that you shouldn’t use it as an excuse not to brush your teeth. When the worst of the pain dies down, you should gently brush your teeth, preferably with a toothbrush with soft bristles. Brushing after a root canal helps prevent bacteria from entering the extraction site and causing an infection.
Allow Yourself To Rest
As with any medical procedure, the best recovery method is to allow yourself to get a lot of rest. Even though the procedure was in your mouth, you can’t run the rest of your body ragged, or you’ll slow down the healing process. If you can manage a day or two off work for it, your body will thank you in the long run.
Root canals may not be fun, but they don’t have to be nightmares, either. Take care of yourself afterward, and you should be back to 100 percent in no time.
