4 Important Tips for Root Canal Aftercare

A root canal does not cause much discomfort during the procedure, but there will be some discomfort that exists during root canal aftercare. The good news is, you can manage the discomfort through proper oral health care following your root canal procedure.

4 Oral health tips following a root canal

There are certain tips that your dentist is likely to recommend you follow after a root canal to ensure that the pain is kept at a tolerable and minimal level and that other more severe symptoms do not develop. The more notable ways to care for your tooth, as well as your oral health in general, after a root canal include brushing and flossing regularly, limiting sugar intake and avoiding tobacco use.

1. Brush and floss as directed

Perhaps the most important tip for root canal aftercare is to brush and floss regularly. While it may seem obvious, many patients are more hesitant to brush and floss after a root canal as they fear it may irritate the affected area and lead to swelling. This is a legitimate concern, which is why it is important to brush and floss carefully and with a gentle touch. However, it is essential to continue brushing and flossing regularly, unless instructed not to by the dentist as mouthwash alone is not enough to keep the mouth clean.

2. Limits foods and drinks high in sugar

One of the primary goals of root canal aftercare, especially before the placement of the permanent crown, is preventing an oral infection. Excessive sugar consumption can increase the risk of an oral infection, along with increasing the risk of other potential concerns such as tooth decay and gum irritation. Instead of eating and drinking products that are high in sugar, consider eating more foods that are high in calcium, and drinking water throughout the day to keep food particles and bacteria washed away.

3. Avoid tobacco use

Dentists typically will not tell you that you cannot smoke or use tobacco during recovery, but they will strongly recommend that you do not for oral health reasons. The fact is, smokers and those who use tobacco products are more likely to need dental procedures such as a root canal. This increased risk can be attributed to several reasons, including the fact that tobacco products cause dry mouth and create an acidic reaction that can attack the gums and dental enamel.

4. Make all scheduled follow-up visits

The dentist will likely require at least one follow-up visit after a root canal to place the permanent crown (if applicable) and check for any signs of complications that may have not been noticed by the patient. It is essential to make all scheduled visits during root canal aftercare to ensure a speedy recovery and to reduce the risk of issues developing.

Learn more about root canal aftercare today

A root canal procedure is often necessary to deal with a tooth infection, damaged tooth or severe decay. If you feel you may need a root canal, then we invite you to contact our office today to arrange a time to come in for a visit.

Request an appointment here: https://lincroftvillagedental.com or call Lincroft Village Dental Care at (732) 842-5005 for an appointment in our Lincroft office.

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