Root Canal Therapy: Your Checklist for Post-Treatment Care After the Procedure

Posted on: 4 August 2016

Considering the immense work they do, your teeth are prone to infection and physical injury. The risks emanate from what you eat, using your teeth for the wrong purposes like opening bottle corks or according them an inadequate level of care. In the end, disease and tooth decay set in when the tissues in the teeth suffer severe damage. Thankfully, such teeth can be treated and restored through root canal therapy. Here, the pulp and nerve tissues of the tooth are removed before the area is cleaned and sealed. After the procedure, post-treatment care is necessary to help you recover fully. Here are is what you should know about it: 

Eating and Anaesthetics

During the procedure, the dentist uses an anaesthetic to prevent pain. The amount of anaesthetic used depends on the length of time that the procedure takes and its effects is bound to last for a while after the procedure. Preferably, you should not eat anything until the numb feeling in your mouth has subsided completely. If you eat when the tissues are still numb, you risk injuring the treated tooth because your nerves are not sensitive at the time. You could also injure other parts such as the tongue or cheek.

Tenderness in the Treated Area

After the numbness has subsided, the treated area may feel a bit tender for a few days. This is because of the body's natural healing process as it assimilates the foreign material used to fill the gap left after removing the pulp tissue. It is normal for a thin layer of the filler material to wear off especially if the filling is temporary and will have to be changed in your next appointment with the dentist. During this phase, be keen on taking any antibiotic medication given to you by the dentist to prevent the formation of puss in the treated area.

Cleaning Your Teeth

Cleaning the treated area will go a long way in speeding up the recovery process. Ideally, get a toothbrush with soft bristles and scrub the area gently than you normally would. You should also floss the areas to get rid of any food particles lying between the treated area and the adjacent teeth.

Abnormal Reactions to Look Out For

Sometimes, your body may respond negatively to the medication and treatment you receive. If you notice swelling outside or inside the mouth, puss and uneven bite, then you should contact your dentist immediately. Allergic reaction to medication such rashes and itching.

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