Remember, a root canal is actually a pain-relieving procedure, despite what many people believe. It’s a comparatively painless procedure that can avoid extraction because of contemporary dental technology and numbing treatments. However, quick recovery and long-term success depend heavily on how you take care of your teeth thereafter. After all, you can recover more quickly and minimize difficulties by adhering to the proper aftercare procedures and avoiding typical blunders.
Thus, read this post-root canal guide to learn more about dos and don’ts after root canal procedures.
3 Stages of Aftercare
You will go through three phases of recovery after a successful root canal procedure.
Right After Treatment
After the procedure of root canal, your mouth will be numb for a few hours. You should therefore refrain from eating chewy foods and hot liquids. You run the danger of burning your mouth or biting your tongue if you do any of these things.
Additionally, this is the best time to take any prescription painkillers that your dentist has recommended. The discomfort for the remainder of the day will be reduced if the meds are taken right away after the procedure.
Next Couple of Days
You have to keep taking the medication prescribed by your endodontist for a few days following your procedure. You can now eat soft meals after a few days (stay away from sticky ones like gum and candies). While you’re at it, it’s advisable to thoroughly clean your teeth and chew your food using the part of your mouth that wasn’t treated. The mild soreness will go away by now. However, if your tooth is severely injured or diseased, you might need to see the dentist again in order to fully remove the infected pulp.
Weeks Later and Onwards
You need to make sure you see your dentist for routine examinations after the recuperation period. Even if you are pain-free and have no trouble eating your favorite foods, you still need to see your endodontist. This is due to the fact that the amalgam filling used in root canal therapy is only meant to be used temporarily; in the end, a crown might be required.
How Much Time Does Root Canal Therapy Take to Recover?
Although individual experiences may differ, recovery from a root canal procedure usually takes one to two weeks. For the first few days, you might experience mild to severe discomfort, but this should gradually go away and often only last a few days.
Depending on whether you were given a temporary or permanent crown at your initial appointment, your healing period may also vary. An infection or other potential issues could make your recuperation take longer. But if you follow the right recuperation procedures, you can avoid this.
Foods You Can Have Vs Foods You Cannot Have Root Canal
You should be able to eat soft foods after treatment without biting or crushing your treated teeth. The following are some soft meal samples that you should always have on hand:
- Mangos, pears, bananas, pureed winter squash, smoothies, and baked sweet potatoes are examples of fruits and vegetables.
- Avocado, yogurt, soft cheese, and cottage cheese are examples of fats.
- Meatloaf, beans, canned tuna, eggs, peanut butter, tofu, and hummus are examples of proteins.
- Grains include polenta, quinoa, oatmeal, couscous, pasta, and soft bread.
At the same time, you need to watch what you eat after having a root canal. If your tooth is sensitive or irritated, you should stay away from things that could make it more uncomfortable and sensitive. You also need to be careful not to damage your temporary filling. Thus, avoid eating:
- Sticky foods, such as gum and candies
- Chewy foods, such crusty sourdough bread or some meats
- Foods and drinks that are extremely hot or cold
- Nuts and other hard foods
- Foods that are crunchy, like pretzels and chips
When Should You Eat After Root Canal Treatment?
It is advised to delay eating until your teeth and gums are numb following a root canal. One reason is that if you can’t determine when your food is too hot, you can unintentionally burn your mouth. To prevent harming your temporary filling, you should gradually start eating your favorite foods again. After a root canal, dentists frequently cover the tooth with a temporary crown to preserve it until the permanent one is ready.