Root

• Monitor what you eat

• Elevate your head

• Use a cold compress

• Maintain your oral hygiene

• Get plenty of rest

Your dentist may also provide you with personalized care tips after the treatment.

What Is a Root Canal?

When the inner pulp of your tooth gets infected, it’s time for a little TLC with a root canal. This involves removing infected pulp tissue, cleaning and shaping the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it up snugly to keep future troubles at bay. 

This procedure is often necessary when decay has reached the pulp or after a tooth has been severely damaged. By removing the source of infection, a root canal not only relieves pain but also helps preserve the natural tooth, maintaining its structure and function. Now, that’s what we call a win-win!

How Long Does Healing From a Root Canal Take?

Your tooth has just gone through its own mini boot camp to come out stronger and healthier. A little soreness for a day or 2 is totally normal, much like a post-gym burn. Your dentist may recommend some pain relief medicine if needed to help keep you comfy. 

However, if the discomfort overstays its welcome beyond a couple of weeks, it’s time to talk to your dentist.

When Can You Eat After Treatment?

So you’re ready to dive back into the world of tasty treats, huh? Hold up! After your root canal procedure, your dentist will likely advise you to avoid eating until the numbness wears off. Why? Because nobody wants to accidentally chomp down on their own cheek or tongue. 

Plus, it also helps you avoid any surprise burns with hot food, as the numbing effect can mask pain and sensitivity. 

Additionally, there’s a risk of damaging a temporary filling placed by your dentist. This cap is meant to protect the treated tooth until the permanent crown is ready. Give it some time to chill before getting too bite-happy, or you might compromise its integrity. Patience, my friend; your mouth will thank you later!

Your Diet During Dental Surgery Recovery

Wondering what’s on the menu post-surgery? Your teeth and gums might be feeling a little tender, so now’s not the time to challenge them with crunchy, hard, or sizzling hot foods–save those for the victory lap later! 

Avoid sticky foods, like candies, gum, or caramel, that might try to pull a fast one on your temporary fillings or crowns.

Additionally, very cold or very hot foods and drinks can worsen tooth sensitivity during the immediate recovery period. Stick to room-temperature delights and let your mouth heal in peace.

Safe & Delicious Soft Foods

It’s time to embrace the soft side of life. Think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy scrambled eggs, and smooth yogurt–deliciously easy on the mouth and perfect for keeping your energy up while you heal. 

Sweet Soft Foods

Applesauce and bananas are excellent options that provide a gentle sweetness without straining your teeth or gums. 

Applesauce is packed with vitamins to help you recover fast and keep your immune system in tip top shape. Want to spice things up? You can sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a flavour boost.

Another great and easily accessible alternative is bananas. They’re soft and easy to eat off-the-bat, but in the early days post-op, bananas are an approachable mashable treat that is also full of potassium and creamy goodness. These 2 are all about keeping things soft, sweet, and utterly satisfying without putting your teeth and gums to the test quite yet. 

Warm Soup

When you’re looking for a comforting meal post-dental treatment, soup is your main course go-to, but be careful not to make it too hot! Whether you’re sipping a creamy tomato, classic chicken noodle, or a hearty veggie broth, these soups are loaded with nutrients and flavours that make them perfect for soothing your swelling and ensuring your still getting everything you need to set yourself up for a quick recovery. 

Cold Treats

Once your teeth recover from increased sensitivity, you may consider cold treats like frozen yogurt and ice cream. These are perfect for cooling down any lingering inflammation while satisfying those sweet cravings. They’re not just delicious; they can also help soothe inflammation in your mouth or throat, making them a perfect choice after dental work. 

Plus, yogurts (whether frozen or not) can help keep your protein and nutrition levels up, making sure your body is sustained and feeling full. Want to jazz things up? Toss in some thawed seedless fruits (like blueberries) to add flavour and bonus anti-inflammatory properties to your bowl.

Elevate Your Head & Use a Cold Compress

After a root canal, swelling and inflammation might try to crash your recovery party. Managing these can significantly enhance your recovery experience.

Elevate your head! Keeping your head higher than your heart, especially when taking your recovery nap, can help minimize swelling and inflammation. Add in a couple of extra pillows behind you in your recovery spot to keep things comfortable while promoting a speedy recovery. 

Give your cheek some love with 20-minute bursts of a cold compress to help alleviate swelling. You can make a DIY cold compress by wrapping ice in a clean cloth or using a chilled gel pack.

The cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels, which can minimize swelling and numb the area, giving you temporary relief. Elevate, chill, and conquer your recovery.

To Brush or Not to Brush After a Root Canal?

Alright, so you've just had a root canal, and your mouth might be feeling a bit tender. But hey, that doesn’t mean you can skip out on oral hygiene! If brushing feels like too much at first, no worries—start with a warm saltwater rinse to keep the bacteria at bay and fend off any pesky infections. Just remember to stick to your dentist's post-care playbook.

Once the soreness eases up, it’s game on for your regular brushing and flossing routine. Be gentle around any temporary crowns by using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and take it easy on those teeth. Keeping your freshly treated tooth safe from harm helps with a smooth and successful recovery. 

Get Some Rest

After a root canal, rest is your VIP pass to a smooth recovery. Think of it as an excuse to kick back and binge your favourite shows. Skip the gym and hold off on any heavy lifting–your body needs a bit of a break to bounce back. Overdoing it can keep swelling around way longer than you expect and potentially bring unwanted complications. So, listen to your body, unwind, and give yourself permission to relax. 

Follow Up with Your Dentist

A follow-up visit with your dentist is important to confirm that your recovery is on track. It’s like getting a progress report for your mouth. Your dentist will give you the lowdown on your recovery guide, provide personalized advice, and recommend any tweaks to your oral care game if needed. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to give us a call at the clinic and book an earlier check-up. We want to make sure we catch any aches and pains early to prevent any post-procedural issues like dry sockets before they become a bigger issue.

At Swish Oral Care, we're dedicated to supporting your oral health before, during, and after your root canal procedure. We’re here to answer your questions and help you ace your recovery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about maintaining your oral health.