A root canal treatment can bring an end to dental pain by removing an infection from the root of a tooth. Immediately after the treatment, your tooth and the surrounding gum tissue could feel sore or sensitive. Here are five tips that can help you to recover quickly and help you avoid the need for further root canal treatments in the future.
1. Use Pain Relief Medication
Over-the-counter pain relief medication, including ibuprofen and paracetamol, is safe to use to tackle dental pain after a root canal treatment. If a single medication does not give you adequate pain relief, you can take both paracetamol and ibuprofen together. However, it is important not to take too much of either type of medication individually. Always read the packet carefully and ask your pharmacist for advice if you are unsure of the correct dosage.
2. Eat Soft Foods
After a root canal treatment, you might experience pain when biting down on hard foods, such as nuts, raw vegetables, or hard fruits such as apples. To protect your sensitive tooth, stick to soft foods for a few days. Soups and smoothies are excellent options to provide you with your recommended daily portions of healthy fruits and vegetables in an easy-to-eat format.
3. Consult Your Dentist About Excessive Pain or Swelling
If eating carefully and taking pain medications does not relieve your oral pain, ask your dentist for advice. Increasing pain can be a sign that there is an infection in your tooth or gum that requires antibiotics to tackle. Look out for other concerning symptoms, such as swelling or pus, which can also be signs of an infection.
4. Don't Smoke
After a root canal treatment, your teeth and gums need time to heal and recover. Smoking slows down your body's natural ability to heal, leading to you being in pain for longer. Cigarette smoke also dries out the mouth, which can contribute to dental discomfort. Try to stay away from smoking for as long as you can. The best option is to quit completely because smoking increases your risk of needing further root canal treatments in the future.
5. Avoid Alcohol
Drinking after a dental procedure is always a bad idea. Not only does alcohol interact dangerously with some pain medications, but it also dilates blood vessels in the mouth, leading to increased sensitivity. Stick to drinking water and non-carbonated soft drinks to aid your recovery.
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