When a tooth is severely damaged or infected, your dentist in North London, ON, may recommend that you get a root canal to solve this problem. During a root canal, your dentist will remove any damaged or infected nerves from the center of your tooth before disinfecting the area and placing a dental crown over it for protection.
While root canals are very common, and the success rate for the procedure high, their success is also dependent on proper aftercare. It is vital that patients take care of their affected tooth adequately after receiving root canal therapy in North London, ON, to prevent reinfection or tooth abscess. Here are a few tips on how to take care of your tooth and ensure the long-lasting success of your root canal.
Be Aware of Your Dental Work
It is important to be aware of your mouth after getting root canal therapy near you. It is normal to experience some pain after root canal therapy, but other problems can indicate a more serious issue, such as infection. If you notice that you have an uneven bite, persistent pain, swelling, or discharge around your dental crown, make sure to check back with your dentist at Wharncliffe Family Dental.
Pay Attention to What You Eat and Drink
Everyone loves to eat, but right after you get root canal therapy, you should pay extra attention to what you eat to protect your tooth and maximize optimal healing. When you get root canal therapy, your dentist near you will advise that you avoid eating immediately after the procedure while your mouth is still numb from the local anesthetic. When your mouth is numb, your risk of biting your tongue or cheek and injuring yourself is much higher. As well, if you bite down hard when your mouth is numb, you may cause damage to your new dental crown, leading to possible infection and inflammation.
It usually takes about two to four hours after treatment for the numbing to wear off. Once the local anesthetic has worn off, you are free to eat and drink as normal. You might experience some mild tooth sensitivity for the first few days after getting root canal therapy, but this can be managed with some over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
After you receive root canal therapy, you should be sure to maintain proper oral hygiene routines, such as brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, as well as flossing once daily. Furthermore, you should make sure to visit your dentist at Wharncliffe Family Dental for a regular checkup and cleaning at least once every six months. Doing this will allow your dentist to identify dental problems early on and provide treatments so that they don’t progress further.
Any More Questions?
We hope that these tips have helped you understand what to expect after root canal therapy and how you can best promote your healing. If you require root canal therapy, visit Wharncliffe Family Dental. Our team is highly experienced and trained to provide you with the best quality dental care possible. Our dentist will make sure to explain the entire process to you and answer any of your questions or concerns. We will also make sure that you go home feeling confident that your healing process will be smooth and stress-free.
Please feel free to contact Wharncliffe Family Dental to book a consultation about root canal therapy today!