Blog

A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat severely infected teeth. During the procedure, the infected pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. The recovery process is different for every patient. 

What to Expect After Treatment

You’ll need to get into the habit of taking good care of your mouth after treatment. If you don’t, you could have an infected tooth at a later date and would need to undergo another root canal procedure. In the days after your treatment, we recommend rinsing with salt water twice a day. This helps to eliminate bacteria and prevent any infection or inflammation from occurring. We also encourage you to use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed for any discomfort you experience. If you notice an increase in pain or swelling after a few days of following this routine, contact our office right away. These could be signs of an infection after root canal therapy.

Don’t forget to schedule your regular cleanings and exams every six months! This is the best way to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. 

The Importance of Proper Dental Care After Treatment

Cleaning your teeth after root canal treatment is very important. Failing to clean teeth properly can lead to infection and other problems. Failure to take proper care of your mouth can also result in the need for additional dental treatments, such as dental implants or dental crowns.

Follow these crucial tips to ensure you receive the care you need after your root canal procedure:

• Be sure to brush and floss every day after treatment to avoid gum disease and other problems. It’s especially important to keep brushing in the area where the crown was placed. This helps to keep the crown clean and free from plaque and other debris that can cause problems.
• Avoid chewing on hard foods or non-food items until your crown has been placed and you have had a temporary restoration for a few days. This will avoid damaging the soft tissue in your mouth.
• Take your medication as prescribed to prevent infections or other complications. If you are unsure about how to take any medicine, talk to your dentist about it.
• Visit your dentist for checkups every six months to one year. This is especially important if you had a lot of decay or damage prior to undergoing root canal therapy because the damage may still be present.
• See your dentist if you experience persistent tooth sensitivity or if the temporary filling falls out before your appointment to replace the crown. You should make an appointment right away to make sure no further damage is done to the tooth.
• Quit smoking or using tobacco products following root canal treatment. Smoking has many negative effects on the body, including an increased risk of oral cancer. Tobacco products also cause discoloration of the enamel.

If you continue experiencing pain or discomfort in your tooth after a root canal procedure, please contact our office. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you schedule an appointment as soon as possible. We look forward to having you as part of our patient family!

Please reach out to our dental practice at 3121 Springbank Ln Ste D Charlotte, NC 28226, to consult with our dentists, Drs. Jeffrey S. Kleinheinz. Call the dentist in Charlotte, NC, at (704) 542-6003 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.