A root canal helps relieve pain and preserve your natural tooth. Most of the time, healing is quick, but some missteps might make it take longer or cause complications. Knowing what not to do will help keep your mouth and teeth healthy.
Chewing on the Treated Tooth Too Soon
After a root canal, your tooth might hurt. In many cases, your dentist will put in a temporary filling or tell you to obtain a crown later. If you chew on that tooth too soon, it may hurt or even fracture.
Until your dentist puts in a permanent filling or crown, don’t use that side of your mouth. Eat soft foods for the first few days.
Skipping the Final Crown
Some people believe that a root canal is all that is needed to fix the tooth, but this is not the case. A tooth that has had a root canal gets weaker over time.
Without a crown, it might crack or break. Your dentist told you to make an appointment for your crown, so do it. A crown keeps your tooth safe and makes it last longer.
Ignoring Oral Hygiene
People who have had a root canal may think they don’t need to brush or floss their teeth, but this is not true. Bacteria can still grow around the teeth and gums.
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day. Proper care of your mouth can contribute to maintaining the well being of the teeth surrounding it and avoiding new infection.
Eating Hard or Sticky Foods
Hard or sticky foods might harm your treated tooth or perhaps pull out a temporary filling. Until your tooth is totally repaired, don’t eat ice, almonds, caramel, or gum.
During the initial days, consume soft foods such as yogurt, eggs, soup, rice and cooked vegetables.
Not Taking Prescribed Medication
Your dentist might give you painkillers or antibiotics. If you miss doses or stop taking them too soon, it could slow down your healing or let an infection come back.
Take all of your medicine and do what your dentist says. If you experience any side effects, let your dentist know.
Ignoring Pain or Swelling
It’s common to feel some pain after a root canal. However, when there is much discomfort, swelling or a fever, these may be signs of an infection or another cause of the problem.
Contact your dentist in case your symptoms do not improve in several days or worsen. Early assistance is useful in ensuring that things do not get out of hand.
Missing Follow-Up Appointments
It’s crucial to go back for follow-up appointments after a root canal. The dentist examines the progress of the healing process and makes the final restoration plans.
If you don’t go to these appointments, your tooth is more likely to get damaged. You should still go to all of your checkups, even if your tooth feels fine.
Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
If you’ve had a root canal, grinding or clenching your teeth can make that tooth hurt more. This can cause objects to hurt or break.
If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about getting a night guard. A night guard can help protect your teeth while you sleep.
Smoking After a Root Canal
Smoking can slow down the healing of wounds and make you more susceptible to getting an infection. It also damages your gums and makes your mouth less healthy in general.
Don’t smoke while you’re getting healthier if you can. This will help your mouth heal faster.
Schedule Your Appointment
After a root canal, your tooth can last a long time if you take proper care of it. If you require a root canal or follow-up care, it’s important to see a dentist.
At Precision Smile Dentistry, we offer professional root canal treatment and personalized aftercare to keep your smile healthy and strong. Schedule a consultation to protect your tooth and ensure proper healing.