If you find yourself in need of a root canal, you will have many questions about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. While it is always best to speak with your dentist for specific instructions, here are some simple root canal aftercare dos and don’ts.

The basics of root canal aftercare

A root canal is necessary when your dental pulp – the soft tissues inside the tooth – become infected and inflamed.

To restore the tooth, your dentist (or endodontist) removes the infected pulp, essentially hollowing out the tooth. You may receive a temporary crown or a filling after the root canal while a more permanent restoration is made.

Root canal recovery begins the moment you sit in the dentist’s chair with a plan for what happens after. Your mouth may be a little sore, and there will be less tooth structure than there once was. Although some patients want to jump right back into all of their regular activities, it is important to give yourself time to heal.

Can you drive after a root canal procedure?

Getting home from the dentist’s office may be challenging, or not.

  • Dos: If you only receive numbing injections or topical numbing agents, driving after a root canal procedure is usually fine. Always feel free to bring someone along, though, if you’re nervous about driving afterwards.
  • Don’ts: For patients who are offered nitrous oxide or sedative medications, you should not drive after the procedure. While most root canals are performed without sedatives, some patients who experience anxiety may request them. If this sounds like you, bring a friend along to drive you home.

Can you eat after a root canal?

Most patients do not want to eat immediately after a root canal, but at some point food will be appealing.

  • Dos: When you get hungry, choose soft foods or liquids such as yogurt, warm soups, pasta, and cooked vegetables.
  • Don’ts: When your mouth is still numb, avoid foods that are very hot. You will have less ability to know when they are too hot and can seriously burn your mouth. Extra sticky foods (like taffy and gum), foods that are hard (pretzels), or foods that are crunchy (chips and popcorn) should also be avoided. If you do choose to eat, avoid chewing on the area of the root canal for at least two days. Then proceed with caution.

Can you smoke after a root canal?

Let’s cut to the chase: smoking is a don’t all the way around.

Not only is it bad for your overall health, smoking after a root canal can slow the healing process and cause complications when it comes to blood clotting.

There is no “do” about it, except if you do take this opportunity to quit.

How do I brush my teeth after a root canal?

Root canal recovery is not a free pass from regular oral hygiene. You can return to your regular oral hygiene when a permanent crown or filling is in place, but during your root canal recovery, follow these guidelines.

  • Dos: Rinse gently with a simple saline solution before brushing to dislodge any food particles before you brush. Using a soft-bristled brush and your regular paste, brush gently and slowly. When flossing around the temporary crown or filling, pay attention. If the floss feels like it has snagged, slowly pull it though the teeth instead of continuing to pull up between them. You do not want to dislodge the crown or filling.
  • Don’t: Avoid overly vigorous brushing and flossing during your root canal recovery period. If you have a temporary crown, being overly ambitious when it comes to oral hygiene can loosen and dislodge the crown. While your dentist will be happy with your commitment to clean teeth, it is important to go easy.

How to manage root canal pain during recovery

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to experience pain after root canal. This may be caused by trauma to the gum tissue, or it may be unresolved pain from before the root canal. This is normal, and it will pass.

In the meantime, follow these root canal aftercare dos and don’ts to manage your pain.

  • Dos: Do take all prescribed pain medications as directed by your dentist, especially medication prescribed directly after the procedure. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can help manage pain and inflammation. If you experience swelling, a cold compress on your cheek can be soothing, too. In some cases, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic. Take as directed until the prescription is gone.
  • Don’ts: Don’t skip prescribed pain medications or antibiotics. Your dentist has a good idea of your post-operative recovery and may prescribe a dose of prescription pain medication to stay ahead of the pain. The same goes for preventing infections. Follow their directions!

Something’s not right — what do I do?

You followed all of the dos and avoided the don’ts, but something’s not right.

Root canal recovery can be different for everyone, but keep an eye out for the following signs and give your dentist a call if you experience:

  • Fever: Fever is a sign of infection.
  • Swelling: Swelling after root canal is normal but should not persist past a day or two.
  • Pain: Pain is also normal, especially if you experienced pain that necessitated a root canal in the first place. Pain that persists past a day or two, gets worse, or is accompanied by other signs of infection means a call to the dentist is in order.
  • Problems with your bite: If you experience problems with your bite (e.g., pain or clicking) the temporary restoration may need adjustment.
  • Missing temporary replacement: Sometimes a temporary filling or crown is more temporary than it should be! If your crown or filling is loose or falls out, give your dentist a call.

Root canal recovery need not be painful or hard to manage. Following a few root canal aftercare dos and don’ts list can make all the difference.

In the Phoenix area, root canals are our specialty! Get in touch with AZ Dentist today for a full exam and consultation.

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