Root Canal Recovery Tips: How to Heal Faster and Avoid Complications

A root canal is one of those treatments in the dental care community that has received a bad reputation without any valid reason. While the treatment saves damaged teeth, the recovery from the surgery can be time-consuming and nerve-wracking. Does that sound concerning? It’s not! 

You can heal without being pained following a list of solid root canal recovery tips. Transitioning back to your regular oral health becomes painless. Let’s uncover the essential aftercare steps to minimize discomfort and prevent infections post-surgery: 

Manage Pain Effectively

If you’re struggling with pain and swelling, shift your focus to treating the pain. While over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce your discomfort, cold compresses on the cheek lower your jaw swelling. You should routinely intake prescribed medications for optimal pain relief.

Stick to a Soft Diet

With throbbing pain, munching hard, crunchy, or sticky foods become a thing of the past. It’s advised to steer clear of them during the healing journey. You should include soups, mashed vegetables, and yogurt for optimum nourishment after root canal therapy. Hot foods and drinks can also trigger sensitivity in the surgery site. You should eat or drink everything at a lukewarm temperature.

Keep the Area Clean

All your efforts may go in vain if you don’t pay close attention to the operation site. While cleaning the surgery site feels nightmare-inducing, it’s necessary for your best oral health. You can brush the treated tooth gently to prevent irritation. You should also use an antimicrobial mouthwash after meals to reduce further mouth infections.

Follow Activity Restrictions

You can lead your regular life post-operation if you: 

• Rest for a day or two after surgery to help your body heal
• Skip exercising for a week to prevent further jaw swelling post-operation
• Keep your head elevated while sleeping using a large/bulky pillow

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Studies show that water helps you eliminate oral bacteria and makes your healing journey faster. Your diet also plays a vital role in speeding up the healing process. The more you include vitamin-rich foods in your meals, the better your tissue repair power is. It’s best to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake to prevent irritation of the surgery site.

Recognize Warning Signs

Signs that say you need immediate medical attention are: 

• Severe pain at the operation site for days
• Swelling that is only worsening
• Persistent bad taste or discharge from the operation site

Schedule Follow-Up Visits

You should never skip a dentist check post-treatment. A dental professional can illuminate your healing process and identify oral infections. You may also need additional oral treatment if discomfort persists. On-time evaluations by a dentist prevent long-term oral health issues.

Proper aftercare ensures a smooth recovery after a root canal. The simplest root canal recovery tips are managing pain, maintaining oral hygiene, and following dietary guidelines. Need further assistance with your oral health? Contact our dentist for personalized guidance on oral care and recovery after the surgery.