For decades, root canal treatment has yielded positive outcomes for many patients who desire a perfect smile. Although many believe this procedure is painful, the case is different with the advanced root canal el paso treatments since they ensure you restore your smile in a comfortable, pain-free procedure.

While it’s a guarantee that you’ll get positive results after a root canal treatment, how should you care for your teeth after this procedure? Poor oral care after a root canal can often slow your recovery process and may birth other dental imperfections. Keep reading to understand the effective tips to ensure a healthy smile after a root canal procedure.

Understanding root canal

Comprehending every detail of a root canal is instrumental in helping you care for your teeth after the treatment. You may need a root canal treatment when you suffer tooth decay that has affected almost your entire tooth. Generally, your tooth roots connect your teeth with the gums and the jaws, and when you have decay or infections, it can also affect the root of your teeth. During a root canal procedure, your dentist cleans out the infected part of your tooth and puts a filling to help seal the canal. Additionally, to avoid your tooth becoming brittle, you will have follow-up visits to get a protective crown for the safety of your tooth. Let’s explore how to care for your teeth after a root canal.

1.     Gently brush and floss

Proper oral hygiene is crucial at all times. However, you should incorporate gentle cleaning since aggressive brushing can put extra pressure on the treated tooth and might dislodge the filling or crown. Therefore, you should use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush and clean your teeth. Also, don’t force the floss between your teeth; if it doesn’t slide easily, seek expert help.

2.     Avoid eating hard foods

Patients with temporary fillings or crowns should avoid hard or crunchy food since they can dislodge the root canal treatment. For a specific duration after a root canal, you should eat soft foods to allow the treatment enough time to heal. Also, hard foods can worsen the sensitivity or pain, especially a few days after the treatment.

3.     Avoid putting excess pressure on the treated tooth

After your treatment, you must not exert much pressure on the treated tooth. The dentist often recommends that you chew on the opposite side until you get a permanent crown to safeguard your tooth. Also, wearing mouthguards to prevent teeth grinding is important if you suffer from bruxism.

4.     Quit smoking

Smoking or chewing tobacco can intensify teeth sensitivity or pain in the operated tooth. Therefore, quitting smoking might help, especially if you want your tooth to recover quickly.

5.     Often check in with your dentist

Root canal treatment doesn’t end the same day after your procedure. Although you will experience improvements after the first day of treatment, you will require follow-up sessions to establish permanent results. Constantly consult your dentist in case of pain or sensitivity in the operated tooth. Furthermore, you must check in with your dentist for a permanent crown.

It’s no secret that a root canal is the best procedure to remove the infected pulp and prevent tooth decay from turning into an infection. However, a lack of awareness for many patients can lead to poor after-treatment care and worsening oral health. The root canal is a simple, comfortable, painless, and quick treatment to alleviate oral health.