What Not to Do After a Root Canal

Are you experiencing severe tooth pain that just won't go away? Has your dentist recommended a root canal procedure to save your tooth from further damage? Don't worry, you're not alone. A root canal in Naperville is a common restorative dental procedure used to alleviate pain and restore the health of your tooth. But the journey to a healthy smile doesn't end in the dentist's chair.

In this guide, we'll walk you through what to expect during and after a root canal, and provide you with essential tips for a swift recovery. So, let's dive in and discover how you can ensure the success of your root canal procedure and get back to enjoying a pain-free, beautiful smile. 

7 Things to Avoid After a Root Canal

• Eating Hard or Crunchy Foods

Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could get stuck and interfere with the healing process. Stick to soft foods for a few days to give your mouth enough time to heal.

• Chewing on the Affected Side

Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the treated tooth. Otherwise, you risk irritating the area or even damaging the filling or temporary crown. 

• Smoking 

Smoking is generally bad for your oral and general health, but it's especially dangerous after a root canal. That's because it can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection. If possible, avoid tobacco products for a few days post-procedure.

• Neglecting Your Oral Hygiene

The area around the root canal is going to be sensitive for a couple of days and you may think it's best to avoid it. But good oral hygiene is paramount for a speedy recovery. Keep up with your regular oral hygiene and brush gently around the treated tooth to prevent infection and promote healing.

• Intense Workout Routines

Avoid vigorous physical activity for a couple of days after the procedure. High-intensity workouts can increase blood flow to the mouth, causing swelling and discomfort and increasing the healing period. 

• Skipping Your Follow-up Appointments

Don't skip your follow-up appointments even if you feel fine. The dentist needs to make sure that the tooth is healing properly and that there are no complications.

• Ignoring Persistent Pain or Other Worrying Symptoms 

While some discomfort is normal after a root canal, intense or prolonged pain could be a sign of complications. The same is true for other symptoms like swelling or developing a fever. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms.

What to Do After a Root Canal 

Here's a list of things that we encourage our patients to do after a root canal to ensure fast and proper healing: 

• Rest: Take some time off and avoid any strenuous or stressful activities. 

• Eat a healthy diet that includes soft foods like eggs, yogurt, smoothies, broths, soups, purees, etc. 

• Take OTC pain medication or use a cold compress to alleviate pain and swelling. 

• Rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce pain and prevent infections 

Root Canals in Naperville, IL

If you are dealing with a bad toothache, the team at Washington Dental Studio is here to offer prompt dental care. 

Contact our office online or by calling (630) 796-0030 to book your appointment.