At Short Pump Dental, we want you to feel your best. If you have problems with your teeth, we can provide you with a thorough examination and the treatment you need. After a root canal, it's normal to have soreness and discomfort. Follow these five important recovery tips after the procedure.
Avoid Overly Strenuous Activity
Our Short Pump cosmetic dentist will advise you to avoid overly strenuous activity for at least two days after your root canal. Instead, stay home and relax if necessary. If you have a job with physically demanding tasks, you should take off to heal. You can move around and get low-impact activity such as walking but should avoid lifting weights, running, or aerobics.
Take Pain Medication and Use Ice
Once the anesthesia wears off, you might experience some discomfort from your tooth. Follow all instructions from your Short Pump Dental general dentist and take over-the-counter pain medication to relieve your discomfort. Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen should be enough to make you feel better while you recover.
Using ice can also sometimes help ease your pain. Use an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a towel against your face. Do this for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and inflammation. Take breaks to prevent irritating your skin before continuing the use of ice.
Eat Soft Foods
Avoid eating anything for a few hours after your root canal. Wait until the anesthesia and numbness of your mouth wear off. Also, while you heal from your root canal, you'll want to modify your diet. Consume softer foods and liquids. Our Short Pump general dentist recommends eating things like soup, mashed potatoes, eggs, smoothies, pudding, and ice cream.
Gargle with Salt Water
After you've gotten your root canal from our skilled Short Pump cosmetic dentist, you'll want to take preventive measures. Gargling with warm salt water 2-3 times daily can help prevent infection.
Get Plenty of Rest
It's normal to feel tired immediately after a root canal. When you get home, try to get some rest. Taking it easy for the rest of the day and the next few days after the procedure can help you feel better and recover faster. You may also want to sleep upright at least during the first night to prevent pressure on your mouth.
If you need an experienced dentist to provide expert care to your teeth and need a root canal, our Short Pump general dentist is here for you. Contact us at our Henrico office at (804) 747-0116 to schedule a consultation today.