Caring for Your Tooth After Endodontic Treatment

If you receive endodontic treatment, you must take proper care of your tooth. A root canal professional will provide you with care instructions following the procedure. However, you can educate yourself beforehand so you will know what to expect. Learn what you need to do after your treatment.

Post-op care after endodontic treatment

Patients are normally sent home with temporary fillings following a root canal procedure. Temporary fillings require special care so that they do not fail. With the right care, crowns stay intact and patients are comfortable. Then, patients return to the dentist for the permanent restoration.

Brush and floss like normal

Many people think that brushing and flossing after a root canal is dangerous. It is actually dangerous to avoid oral hygiene. Bacteria can build up on the treated tooth and cause additional damage. Brushing and flossing keeps the area clean and makes it easier for the tooth to heal.

While people use the same technique for brushing, the flossing technique needs to be adapted for the restoration. Instead of pulling the dental floss up between the teeth, people need to slide it out. Sliding it prevents the floss from pulling out the temporary filling. People should continue using this technique after the permanent filling is in place.

Do not bite on the tooth at first

Patients need to give the tooth time to heal after undergoing a root canal. Biting on the tooth immediately following treatment can be uncomfortable and also cause the temporary filling to fail. For two days following surgery, patients should chew on the other side of their mouths. This allows the tooth to heal.

Avoid sticky foods

Temporary fillings are not as strong as permanent restorations. Sticky foods such as gum and caramel can pull the filling out of the tooth. Patients should not eat these foods with a temporary filling. Once the permanent restoration is in place, people can eat the foods they want.

Call the dentist if the filling fails

If the dental filing fails, patients should call the root canal professional immediately. Temporary fillings protect the restored tooth. This is a dental emergency. Patients will likely need to meet the dentist at the office for a new filling.

Contact the dentist if the pain is significant

Endodontic treatment can cause some discomfort, but people should not experience significant pain. People who experience significant pain should contact the dentist. Also, people who have discomfort for a week or longer should contact the dentist. The dentist needs to evaluate the patient to determine the cause of the pain.

Protect your smile after a root canal treatment

Your smile is important to you and you need to correct it after endodontic treatment. Brush and floss and avoid biting on the treated tooth for the first two days. Avoid sticky foods and know when to call the dentist. Call the dentist if the filling fails, if you are in significant pain or if the discomfort lasts a week or longer.

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