If you’ve recently had a root canal procedure, you may be wondering what steps you can take to ensure a quick and comfortable recovery. While it’s normal to experience some discomfort during the healing process, there are several things you can do to make sure your recovery is as pain-free as possible and to ensure proper healing. Let’s break down the best ways to recover quickly from a root canal procedure.
Take It Easy
Take it easy for the first few days after your root canal treatment and get plenty of rest. Avoid strenuous activities like exercise or lifting heavy objects that could cause unnecessary strain on your teeth or jaw.
It’s important to pay attention to how you feel after a root canal. After this endodontic procedure, it’s normal to experience pain and swelling. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen over time, it could be a sign of an infection or other complications related to your root canal.
Contact your dentist if you notice any of the following:
- Increased pain
- Swelling that doesn’t go away
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pus coming from the site of the root canal
Pain Management
It is normal for patients to experience some degree of discomfort and mouth pain following their root canal therapy. Your dentist may prescribe over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help manage this discomfort and reduce inflammation. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after your procedure. Alcohol has been known to increase swelling and discomfort post-procedure.
Use an Ice Pack
An ice pack is an effective way to reduce swelling in any area of the body. It is especially helpful if you have recently had a root canal, as the procedure can cause swelling and discomfort.
To use an ice pack, simply get a towel and fill it with some ice cubes or ice packs. Place the towel against the affected area for 10-15 minutes every hour.
The ice pack’s cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling and inflammation and relieving pain and discomfort. Additionally, it numbs the area, providing temporary relief from pain. Ice packs should be used several times throughout the day for the best results.
Avoid Chewing Hard Foods
Chewing hard foods can aggravate the area around the treatment site and potentially prolong healing time. Avoid eating hard foods such as raw vegetables, nuts, chips, popcorn, and ice cubes in the days following your root canal procedure until you have fully healed. If possible, stick with soft foods such as soup or mashed potatoes. It is best to avoid very hot and cold foods and drinks that may irritate the surgical site.
Keep Up With Follow-Ups
Make sure you keep up with follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor your oral health. Depending on how extensive the work was during your root canal procedure, more than one follow-up appointment may be necessary for your dentist to monitor progress and ensure everything is healing correctly.
During these appointments, ask questions about what signs or symptoms to look for that might indicate that something isn’t right—that way, if you begin experiencing unexpected pain or discomfort between visits, you know when it’s time to call your dentist right away.
Make Recovery a Breeze
Recovery from a root canal procedure doesn’t have to be difficult! To ensure you get back in smiling shape quickly, get plenty of rest, manage pain with medication and cold compresses, and attend your follow-up appointments.
Remember: if you experience unexpected pain or discomfort at any time during recovery, contact your dental office immediately so they can help assess what’s happening.If you’re looking for a dentist near me, a Denver root canal dentist, or Englewood root canal specialist, schedule your next visit with our experienced Denver dentists. To schedule an appointment, call (303) 321-5656 or complete the online booking form. We welcome patients from Cherry Creek, Englewood, and all surrounding metro communities.