Root Canal Aftercare and Recovery

Root canals treat severely decayed teeth to save them from extraction. The procedure is relatively standard and has a high success rate in preserving permanent teeth. If you need a root canal in Colorado Springs, Colorado, you can turn to our Mark H. Wright DDS team for this treatment. We’ll also monitor your recovery to ensure there are no complications from your procedure. 

Root Canal Aftercare for Smooth Recovery

It’s normal to feel tired or experience discomfort and pain after undergoing root canal treatment. The following tips can help you recover faster from root canal therapy so that you can return to your regular routine. 

• Medication – To prevent infection, take all prescribed medicines as instructed, including pain pills and antibiotics. If you’re not prescribed painkillers, OTC medication can be used to relieve pain.
• Saltwater rinses – Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to make it feel better and reduce your risk of infection.
• Oral hygiene – Continue to brush and floss your teeth like normal. However, be extra gentle around your treated tooth.
• Swelling – Use an ice pack to help relieve facial swelling and pain.
• Diet – Eat healthy soft foods for several days following your treatment to avoid pain when you chew.
• Smoking and alcohol use – Don’t smoke or drink alcohol while recovering; these habits can aggravate your gum tissue and hinder healing. Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs can also be dangerous to your health.
• Rest – Resting can help expedite your recovery. Avoid strenuous activities for a day or two after root canal therapy to give your mouth time to heal.

Tooth Infection After Root Canal

If you continue to experience pain, inflammation, or tooth sensitivity after several days, contact our office immediately, as you may have another infection. Though rare, it is possible for your tooth to get reinfected after this procedure. We’ll evaluate your condition and recommend a course of action for treatment.

Root Canal Therapy in and around Colorado Springs, Colorado

For more information about root canal aftercare and recovery, contact your Colorado Springs, CO dentist, Dr. Mark Wright, at (719) 624-4122.