A root canal sounds like a daunting dental procedure. Most of you won’t need these five tips to prepare for your root canal. The during is often an easy experience, and the after is smooth if no infection occurs. Yet, you can do a few things to make yourself more ready for the moment and what comes after.
Further, it is essential to be prepared for when you head home. The aftercare process for a root canal is often not discussed. Educate yourself on what to expect and take the stress out of the therapy once and for all.
Discuss the Procedure with Your Dentist
A root canal is a procedure that a dentist carries out. An endodontist can also perform root canal therapy. These experts have a greater level of experience with root canals in particular. Regardless, have your dentist advise you of the best solution for your mouth. Find out how to properly care for the wounded area after the procedure.
Still not sure if the root canal is your best choice?
- It’s cheaper than replacing a whole tooth
- It minimises tooth-related discomfort
- It can reduce dental infection risk
- It is a one-stop procedure
A root canal makes sense if the goal is to eliminate the infection within the tooth. After this happens, the dentist or endodontist will refill the root canal system. At this point, the infection is gone, and the tooth becomes stronger.
Discuss Aftercare
Aftercare is critical because it makes the difference in whether infection occurs. If ignored, such an infection can spread and even result in pneumonia and potential death. You do not want to infect this area. If it happens, the experience is incredibly painful and treating it becomes scary. You are better off taking preventative action instead.
Blood clotting can take 72 hours, which is how long you should continue saltwater rinsing regularly throughout the day. Take a small dash of table salt, mix it with a small amount of water, and swish it around the affected area. Avoid using hot or cold water; stick with lukewarm, as an extreme temperature will only further irritate where it’s trying to heal.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Smoking can irritate and potentially infect the area where a root canal was performed. Smoking after a root canal will drastically delay your recovery, even if no infection occurs. You should wait a minimum of two to four weeks before smoking again.
Abstain from alcohol consumption until the affected area has healed. The minimum suggestion is 48 hours after the surgery. However, it would help if you steered clear until the affected area feels like it has fully recovered.
Take a Healthy Meal
What you eat also plays a significant role in the healing process.
Stick with easy-to-chew foods at first. After a root canal, you should avoid consuming sticky, candied, chewy, or crunchy foods. Also, avoid anything overly hot or cold as an extreme temperature can pain the area.
Your bite will be back to normal within a few days. But, it will take some time to adjust to chewing again. The root canal changes the structure of your teeth. Therefore, mild discomfort and slipping can occur while you try to eat.
Sleep Well
The pain and discomfort from a root canal procedure can make it challenging to stay well-rested. Consult your dentist if you find your root canal recovery symptoms interfere with your getting a good night’s sleep. Also, consider whether any of your experiences possibly react to your medication.
The discomfort should not affect your sleep quality for more than three or four nights. Try to go to bed with your head elevated to reduce sleep discomfort further. Also, ensure the room is pitch dark to both fall asleep faster and stay in a deep sleep.
Relinquish the Stress
Your root canal is left in the hands of a qualified professional. If you seek our root canal services, we promise the friendliest and most supportive experience imaginable. Our team understands how frightening a root canal feels. Likewise, we know it is not so bad on the other side—you just need to learn how to care for it after the procedure properly.
These tips should give you some guidance. But, you will receive the best advice when you get your root canal done. Your dentist will guide you through the best practices to follow.
Rest assured, a root canal does not need to be a devastating experience!
Book with us online for a root canal consultation.