Post Root Canal Dos and Don'ts

Root canal treatment is quite common today like never before. It's a procedure by which dentists are able to preserve natural tooth structure while removing the damaged pulp portion. Then the tooth is strengthened by crowning. 

It's a complex procedure and may require multiple sittings. At Aims Dentistry, our best dentists in Mississauga perform this procedure with precision to ensure that your natural tooth is preserved using world class restorative procedures. But equally important to restoration is the after care of tooth to facilitate healing.

Here we have posted the various after effects of root canal treatment and which precautions to follow afterwards. These precautions pertain to tooth that has not been crowned yet and so it's very much unprotected. Crown is placed only after complete healing of tooth and surrounding tissues and this is a crucial period.

●     Avoid chewing on the side of treated tooth

Till the crown is placed, tooth has to be protected from external stresses and pressures. Therefore it's advisable to chew on the other side. Also it's advisable to avoid eating hard and crunchy foods whether you're chewing on the affected side or not. Hard and crunchy foods can exert enormous stress on the weakened tooth and can cause damage.

It's preferable to ask your dentist as to what you can eat and what you should avoid.

●     Gentle Brushing and Flossing

When you are brushing and flossing post root canal, make sure the brushing strokes are gentle and light. The weakened tooth is fragile to external pressure so keep it light. Same is the case with flossing. Don't give up the flossing routine as it's an important part of post procedural care. Use the mouthwash recommended by your dentist. Waxed floss is great for use in this case.

●     Know When to Call Your Dentist

Many patients do not complain of any pain post treatment. Although a mild pain and discomfort is normal, you should not take anything for granted. Mild pain can be relieved by use of NSAIDS prescribed by your dentist. However, if the pain is debilitating and excruciating, book an appointment ASAP. It could be an abscess that's causing the pain or the nearby roots could be affected as well.

The key is to see your dentist at the earliest. If you wait too long, tooth extraction might be the only option left. If you follow these precautions, we can assure you that your tooth will be in perfect shape for crowning when the time comes.