Apparently, the root canals may appear to be more frightening than they are. However, in reality, the surgery causes very little discomfort, and your lips and gums will return to normal within one week. However, you need to take proper care of yourself.
It is vital to follow the right aftercare instructions following a root canal operation for your mouth to heal quickly and fully. You will also want to keep an eye on the pain and avoid infection.
Taking appropriate post-treatment steps may help in the recovery process. A dentist will thoroughly discuss post-root canal care to patients when they visit him for the root canal. If you need to go for a root canal, here is what you should know.
- Keep your head up and avoid eating right away
You may experience swelling and soreness around your mouth right after the surgery. Keep your head up and avoid reclining down to keep things under control and reduce the pain. It is also recommended to invest in a second pillow to maintain your head slightly elevated while sleeping.
- Take pain medication
As the procedure’s anesthesia wears off, you will experience pain and discomfort, especially in your gums and jaws. Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication suggested by your root canal dentist to make your recuperation as much comfortable as possible.
- Gargle with warm saltwater
The most serious danger following a root canal is an infection of the gums surrounding your tooth. Because this can cause a lot of discomforts, it is preferable to avoid it. Gargling with warm, somewhat salty water on a regular basis will help maintain your mouth clean to prevent infection, allowing you to continue your healing.
- Avoid anything that may cause inflammation
After your procedure, you can sink your teeth into a dish of ice cream, but during the initial few days, avoid hot liquid, alcohol, smoking, drinking via a straw, any hard food, or things that you must suck.
These drinks and foods have been known to irritate the gums, resulting in pain and swelling, which can delay your recovery.
- Avoid strenuous activity at least for a few days
Always keep your feet high up and rest since you should avoid excessive physical activity for a minimum of 48 hours after root canal operation. That means no hiking, running, sports, or heavy lifting.
- Call your dentist in case you are concerned
If your symptoms are quite severe than those listed above, and if they don’t go away, it is important to call your root canal specialist to talk about it, especially if you are experiencing extensive swelling, bleeding, fever, severe pain, or a medication reaction.
The symptoms listed above are relatively uncommon, and in case you take excellent care of yourself, you will almost definitely heal quickly and painlessly.
It may take just 2 to 3 days for recovering from your root canal operation. Your pain will subside quite quickly. It is important that you must keep brushing and flossing daily and schedule your biannual cleaning to ensure healthy teeth.
