When you hear the words “root canal,” you might conjure images of a painful dental procedure that takes hours to complete. However, root canal therapy is a common and relatively simple procedure that can often save your tooth. When the interior of your tooth, known as the pulp, gets damaged, it can cause an infection. Your Greeley, CO, dentist can remove the infection and seal your tooth. Because they use a local anesthetic, your mouth will be numb, and you won’t experience any more pain in your infected tooth. So, once you have had a root canal, how do you care for your mouth afterward? Let’s find out more.
Root Canal Aftercare Tips
It’s not uncommon for bacteria to live in your mouth, so your mouth is susceptible to infection. If that happens to you and you need a root canal, here are some ways to take care of your mouth after the procedure:
Immediately after your root canal – Your mouth will be numb for several hours after your root canal, so you need to avoid drinking hot beverages or eating anything that needs to be chewed. This way, you won’t burn your mouth or bite down too hard and injure your tooth. Also, you don’t want to bite your lip, tongue, or cheek during this time since you won’t be able to feel it.
If your dentist prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take them as directed. It would also be a good idea to take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with the discomfort and swelling.
During the days to follow – For the next few days after your root canal, continue taking your medication as your dentist prescribes. In addition, try to stick to softer foods and avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that had the root canal. When you are brushing your teeth, be sure to brush gently.
In the future – If your dentist has placed a temporary filling in your tooth after your root canal, be sure to return for your next scheduled appointment. Typically, your dentist will need to place a dental crown on the affected tooth to protect and strengthen it.
Do You Need a Dentist in Greeley, CO?
If you are interested in root canals in Greeley, CO, or if you have other dental issues you would like to discuss with our dental team, we are ready to take your call! At Norco Family Dental, we want you to love your smile. You can call us for a consultation or appointment at (970) 356-5277.
We look forward to hearing from you.