After undergoing root canal treatment, it's essential to follow these instructions for a smooth recovery and to ensure the success of the procedure:
- Local Anaesthetsia: If you have been given anesthesia, it may take a few hours to wear off so be careful during this period. Wait until the numbness wears off before eating or drinking anything hot.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications should be taken as directed to manage any discomfort or pain.
- Oral Hygiene: Continue your regular oral hygiene routine, but avoid the treated area when brushing and flossing. Use an antiseptic mouthwash if recommended by your dentist.
- Diet: Consume soft foods for a few days to avoid placing excessive pressure on the treated tooth. Gradually reintroduce a normal diet as you feel comfortable. Eating hard food can damage your tooth by wear and tear. Hence, do avoid hard food such as nuts, bones or chewing on ice.
- Temporary Filling: In between the root canal procedure appointments, a temporary filling may be placed. Remember to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and follow your dentist's instructions regarding any further treatment.
- Inform your dentist if your bite doesn't feel right. It may take a while to get used to the bite after treatment is completed. You should inform your dentist if the bite feels strange one week after your root canal has been completed.
- Get a night splint if you are a grinder. If you grind or clench your teeth you should be wearing one anyway, but if you have had root canal or any major dental work for that matter, it is even more important to get one made (and wear it! This will prevent you from damaging your tooth and other teeth while you sleep.
- Be careful when doing contact sports, in which the chance of you getting a blow to the face is high (such as with rugby or mixed martial arts), wear a quality dentist-prescribed protective sports mouth guard to cushion any impact to the teeth.
- Consider a dental crown. Your tooth is irreversibly weakened when root canal treatment is done. A crown is needed to protect the tooth and prevent it from fracturing
Your Commitment
Maintenance of good dental health is also dependent on you, the patient. In cases of dental neglect, disease is unavoidable. The warranty is only valid if you abide by the following conditions:
1. Regular Checkup and Cleaning: Bacteria builds up on the teeth naturally after some time, which cannot be removed by just brushing. This causes tooth decay and gum disease. To avoid that, please get your teeth professionally cleaned and checked for decay and other issues at least once every 6 months
2. Following Dentist's Instructions: Follow all the instructions regarding soft diet, gum and teeth management, and careful care of the crowns.
3. Good Oral Hygiene. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and follow any special instructions your dentist or hygienist has given you to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.
4. Please notify us and come in for a check immediately if you encounter any problems after the treatment. Any delay may result in further damage.