Are you confused about how to best take care of your teeth after a root canal in Mechanicsville? After a procedure, the first step of taking care of your mouth is to understand what happened during the root canal. Only then can you make the educated decision for the best care going forward.
A root canal is usually performed to address an injury that has caused damage to your tooth. Furthermore, the largest culprit for this kind of damage is usually tooth decay. This decay may trigger further infection around your tooth’s root. Specifically, the infected area is cleaned out and decontaminated by removing your tooth’s infected pulp. Then, your dentist will fill the tooth’s hollow portion with a rubber-like material. Next, your tooth is sealed with adhesive cement; however, your tooth can become brittle because the pulp is removed. So, finally, a dental crown is placed to ensure protection and support.
Post-Root Canal: How to Take Care of Your Teeth
Take Over-The-Counter Medications
Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some degree of tenderness around the area. Your jaw may feel sore from having had your mouth open throughout the entire process. To manage the discomfort, you may typically take over-the-counter medications. In some cases, a stronger medication may be prescribed by your dentist. However, always ask your dentist before taking any medication.
Avoid Chewing on the Repaired Tooth
While waiting for your dental crown placement, you should avoid using the repaired tooth to chew your food. The last thing that you want to do is irritate the affected area.
Practice and Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Just because your mouth is healing from a root canal treatment doesn’t mean you should stop practicing good oral hygiene. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you should continue a routine of brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. Remember: Brush. Floss. Rinse.
Visit Your Dentist
A follow-up visit with your dentist is required to ensure the area has healed as it should. A bi-annual dental appointment for cleanings and checkups should also be resumed to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Do You Need More Tips from a Root Canal Mechanicsville Expert?
You can get more useful tips from the endodontic specialists at Commonwealth Endodontics! Schedule your consultation today and experience what sets us apart from the rest.