How to Protect Your Tooth After a Root Canal

More than 15 million root canal treatments are performed every year in the United States — more than 40,000 per day on average. That means every year, millions of teeth are saved from extraction, thanks to this time-tested method of preserving natural teeth.

At Healthy Smile Dental, Hannah Baek, DMD, helps patients get the most from their root canal therapy, with custom care focused on a quick, successful recovery and a lifetime of better oral health. Here, learn what steps you can take to protect your tooth following your root canal treatment.

1. Ask questions

After your root canal, you’ll receive instructions on how to care for your tooth to avoid discomfort and potential complications. Follow those instructions carefully, and if you have any questions, concerns, or confusion about the instructions, call us, and we’ll help. Sticking to your care and follow-up instructions is essential for a quick recovery.

2. Stick with a soft diet

For a few days after your root canal, it’s a good idea to stick with soft food, like yogurt, smoothies, soft fruits, and soups. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or chewy. 

This simple change prevents putting too much pressure or strain on the tooth and the underlying tissues while they heal. Skip really hot foods and beverages, too, because your tooth may be sensitive to extreme temperatures for a few days.

3. Chew on the other side

Following a root canal, it’s common for the treated tooth to be a little sore for a few days, and the gums surrounding the tooth may be swollen. Chewing on the opposite side of your mouth for a few days helps reduce discomfort and protect the tooth from additional irritation.

4. Don’t smoke

Smoking doesn’t just take a toll on your lungs — it interferes with healing, too. Tobacco products can interfere with blood flow, preventing oxygen delivery for fast tissue healing. Plus, smoking makes it more likely you’ll have oral health issues in the future.

5. Keep the area clean

Good oral hygiene is always important, but following a root canal while the treated area is healing is especially important. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the tooth gently, and floss carefully to avoid dislodging the temporary filling or crown. 

Once the permanent restoration is in place, you can brush and flush as usual. If you use a water flosser, stick to room-temperature water to avoid sensitivity issues.

6. Be mindful of any unusual issues

While it’s normal to have some temporary discomfort following a root canal, severe pain or swelling is definitely not normal. If you have any unusual symptoms, call the office right away so we can check for infection or other issues that need immediate care.

7. See your dentist regularly

After your root canal, you may have a follow-up visit to apply your permanent restoration or simply to check on your tooth. It’s important to keep these appointments and to visit twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings to keep your treated tooth and all its neighbors strong and healthy.

Today’s root canal treatments use state-of-the-art techniques for faster, more comfortable recovery and beautiful, durable results. If you think you might need a root canal or have any type of unusual tooth-related symptom, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Healthy Smile Dental in Woodridge, Illinois, today and learn how we can help.