Root canal treatments are among the most frequently performed dental procedures in the world, with about 15 million carried out every year. While root canals are very common, many patients don’t know what to expect if they’ve never had one before.

One of the most important aspects of a root canal procedure is what happens afterward. Here are some of the dos and don’ts of root canal recovery.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing the pulp from an infected or decaying tooth.

All of your teeth contain an inner pulp that’s composed of nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. When a tooth becomes infected, the infection can reach this pulp and produce symptoms like pain and difficulty chewing. A root canal removes the pulp to relieve these symptoms and prevent further infection or decay.

What To Do After a Root Canal

Making the right care procedures habit will help you heal properly after a dental root canal. The following are three important steps to keep your mouth healthy and promote optimal healing.

Practice Good Dental Hygiene

Your gums and teeth will be especially vulnerable after a root canal. To keep the area clean and ward off infection, you must practice good oral hygiene after your procedure. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing after every meal, and using an antiseptic mouthwash regularly.

Look Out for Swelling, Pain, and Redness

You may have some redness and swelling around the treatment area in the hours immediately following your procedure. This should subside within one to two days. If you have pain, swelling, or redness that doesn’t go away several days after your root canal, contact your endodontist immediately.

Take Pain Medications as Directed

As mentioned, root canal procedures can cause pain and inflammation in the days immediately following treatment. Your root canal specialist will provide instructions on how to manage this pain. Make sure you take any medications they prescribe as directed to keep discomfort in check.

What To Avoid After a Root Canal

Certain actions can delay or interfere with healing or even damage your vulnerable gums and teeth following a root canal. There are two things in particular you’ll want to avoid after a root canal.

Hard or Chewy Foods

It’s best to steer clear of food that’s difficult to chew for a few days (or even weeks) after receiving a root canal. This includes hard candies, chewy foods, gummy foods, and sticky treats like gum. Stick to soft foods or liquids and try chewing on the opposite side of your mouth.

Aggressive Brushing

Another thing to avoid after a root canal is aggressive teeth brushing. Scouring the treatment area too forcefully while brushing your teeth can cause damage to the tender, delicate tissues. For about two weeks after your procedure, use caution and brush your teeth slowly and gently.

Get Safe, Effective Root Canal Treatment in Colorado Springs

Pinnacle Dentistry is a leading provider of root canals in the Colorado Springs area. If you need this procedure done, contact us today to schedule a consultation.