Pre and Post Root Canal Care
So you’ve made the appointment to take care of your infected tooth with an endodontic treatment, also known as a root canal. Soon, you’ll be enjoying the freedom from pain and discomfort that this procedure offers patients. However, you may have questions about what to do before your appointment, and how to ensure oral health and a speedy recovery immediately following the treatment.
At Lasting Smiles of Whitehouse Station, we’re the premier local dentist in Lebanon, and we want you to be completely prepared with the knowledge that will ensure you get the best results from your root canal procedure. Let’s take a look at the best practices both before and after this treatment to keep you pain-free, comfortable, and enjoy an improved smile through endodontic surgery.
Before Endodontic Treatment
Since this procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia, there shouldn’t be any need for restrictions regarding driving or returning to work following the procedure. However, it’s a good idea to eat a full breakfast or lunch, as applicable, to avoid stomach discomfort.
You can also opt to take a pain reducing medicine, like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, to decrease soreness and pain, pre-operatively. Take two tablets of either medication two hours before your endodontic therapy, but be sure to ask your dentist first.
Immediately After Endodontic Treatment
After your procedure, it’s common to feel some tenderness in the area and around your jaw as your body undergoes its natural healing process. These symptoms are completely normal and temporary. They typically respond well to over the counter medications, but it’s important to take these medicines as directed by your dentist.
It’s not recommended that you eat anything until the numbness in your mouth wears off. This is to prevent you from biting or injuring your mouth, teeth, cheek, or tongue. You should also refrain from chewing on the treated tooth until it’s been restored.
Additionally, continue to brush and floss your teeth as you usually would. Occasionally, if your tooth was restored using a temporary filling, it’s typical for a thin layer to wear off in between appointments.
Contact us immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Visible swelling inside your mouth
- A return to your original symptoms
- An uneven bite
- An allergic reaction including hives, rash, or itching
Lasting Smiles of Whitehouse Station is dedicated to providing our patients with the highest level of oral health care services. To make an appointment for endodontic treatments at our dental office serving Tewksbury and other nearby areas, call (908) 534-4001 today!