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Oct

Post Operative Instructions for Root Canal

Post Operative Instructions for Root Canal. Follow these simple tips from HQ Dental Design to heal faster and protect your tooth! Questions? Call us at (512) 863-7561.

Thanks for choosing HQ Dental Design for root canal treatment. And, we really hope that we give the best treatment. Now, once it's done, it's time for aftercare. So, read this complete post operative instruction for root canal. And, you will know the answers.

Post Operative Instructions for Root Canals (Pain & Swelling)

Depending upon the complexity of your root canal, you might experience pain or discomfort for some days. So, dont worry about it. Following home remedies and taking medicine on time can help alleviate the symptoms.

● Pain Killers: To manage pain, you can take painkillers like OTC painkillers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). These are good options to alleviate moderate discomfort. If you are allergic to these so you can take one you normally take for body aches.

● Have What Prescribed: If we have prescribed any medicine, then dont go for the above OTC, instead have what is prescribed. But if the pain is not getting better with it. Then visit us, and we'll prescribe a stronger one.

● Swelling: Swelling on the treated tooth is normal. Applying cold press for 30 minutes for 3 to 4 times a day for 1 to 2 days will minimize it. Also, keep your head elevated by having 2 pillows when lying down. This will keep the tooth away from the direct pressure and minimize swelling.

Numbness:

Local anesthesia was applied to numb the area for the treatment, and it can stay numb for a few hours after the process. It's good that you won't feel pain, but until the effect does not wears off, avoid:

● Eating Until Numbness Wears Off: To avoid biting lips, cheeks, or teeth accidentally. It's great to wait for a while. And, once the effect goes away and you can feel your mouth back. Start with a soft but nutritious food.

● Avoid Hot Beverages since you might not feel the heat of the beverage, drinking hot tea or coffee is a risk, as it can burn, so avoid it.

Oral Care:

Good oral care is essential after a root canal to ensure proper healing and to avoid infections.

● Brushing: You can resume brushing the next day after a root canal, but be gentle around the treated tooth. It’s best to avoid brushing directly on that area for the first 24 hours to prevent irritation. After one day, the tissues are usually healed enough, and you can brush your whole mouth normally.

● Flossing: Avoid flossing for the first 24 hours after a root canal. After that, you can resume flossing, but be gentle around the treated tooth.

● Mouthwash: if we have prescribed any mouthwash, then use it as directed; otherwise, rinse the whole mouth with warm salt water. As it's a better option for hygiene and reducing swelling.

Eating Guide:

● Wait, until the numbness wears off: wait for numbness to wear off. It can take up to 2-3 hours. You can ask a dentist as well about it. Start eating lightly, and if it's digesting easily, then have a full meal.

● Eat soft yet nutritious food like yogurt, soups, and other foods you like. But it should not be hard to chew.

● If you had a temporary filling placed, then dont eat from this side until the permanent ones are ready. Putting direct pressure on the can dislodge it by biting hard.

Expect Some Discomfort:

After the process, be ready for some discomfort until the healing phase is finished. By this time, ready for swelling around the tooth, some pain/discomfort. Also, most people feel sensitive tooth or pressure while putting a finger or tongue on it. But, dont worry, it's all a part of the process and will get better on its own. But if it's not getting better or increasing, then you must visit us. We will look for the healing phase and can guide you after it.

Follow-Up Visits:

After the process, we might call you for a follow-up visit in 2–3 weeks. These visits will ensure that healing is going well and to place a crown if required. Getting the crown immediately is essential as it protects the tooth and helps it work normally. Without a crown, the tooth can easily crack or get damaged. If you notice severe pain, swelling, or fever, contact our office right away, as these could be signs that you need further care.

Diet & Guide:

Eating well-balanced and staying hydrated contributes a lot to better recovery. So, it's good to make healthy choices. Avoid hard and sticky food that puts a lot of pressure on the treated tooth and can cause damage to the filling. Also, avoid citrus juice can cause problems with early healing, so avoid that too. Diet & keeping yourself hydrated play an essential role in better recovery.

What Patient Reported After The Treatment

Most patients stated the same thing that they had started feeling better after a few days. Mild pain and discomfort stay for a few days, but they subside gradually and get better over time. These symptoms occur especially when touching or chewing the tooth.

When to Call us:

If you are experiencing any following symptoms, call us:

● Pain is not getting better even with OTC medicines.

● Swelling is getting worse.

● Fever or infection.

● Swelling or pus near the treated tooth.

● Any weird symptoms

Conclusion

Following these Post Operative Instructions for Root Canal will ensure better recovery. If you have any concerns or notice an unusual thing, visit us or call us at (512) 863-7561.

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