You have just taken a major step toward saving your tooth and relieving pain with a root canal. This treatment is one of the most effective ways to address a deep infection, and the team at The Dentist El Paso is here to support you through every stage, including your recovery at home.
The success of your root canal therapy doesn’t end when you leave our office. Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth and comfortable healing process. It’s normal to have questions about what to expect, and this guide is designed to provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions. By taking a few simple steps, you can protect your tooth and ensure the best possible outcome.
Immediately After Your Appointment
Root canal therapy often involves one or two appointments. After each visit where an anesthetic was used, your lips, tongue, and teeth on that side of your mouth may feel numb for several hours.
This numbness is completely normal, but it requires some caution. To avoid accidentally biting your cheek, lip, or tongue, it’s very important to avoid any chewing on the treated side until the numbness has completely worn off. Stick to liquids or very soft foods that don’t require chewing until you have full feeling back.
Protecting Your Temporary Filling or Crown
To protect your tooth between appointments, your dentist places a temporary filling or crown. This temporary restoration is not as strong as a permanent one, so it needs a little extra care.
It is common for a small portion of the temporary filling to wear away or even break off. This is generally not a problem. However, if the entire filling falls out or the temporary crown comes completely off, please call our office right away so we can replace it.
To keep your temporary restoration secure, follow these tips:
- Avoid Sticky Foods: Chewing gum and other sticky or chewy candies can pull the temporary filling or crown loose.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Do not bite down on hard foods like nuts, ice, or hard candy. Also, be mindful of habits like chewing on pencils or fingernails.
- Chew on the Other Side: If possible, do all your chewing on the opposite side of your mouth to minimize pressure on the treated tooth.
Managing Discomfort After Treatment
It’s very common to experience some tenderness or a dull ache for a few days after a root canal, especially when chewing. This can happen even if your tooth wasn’t causing you any pain before the procedure. This discomfort is a normal part of the healing process and is no cause for alarm. The tenderness should begin to subside within a few days, though for some, it can linger for a couple of weeks.
To manage any discomfort, we recommend taking pain medication as directed. If we did not prescribe a specific pain reliever, over-the-counter medications are very effective. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) are excellent choices for managing dental discomfort.
Oral Hygiene and Home Care
Maintaining your oral hygiene routine is crucial for preventing further issues and promoting healing.
- Medications: If we prescribed antibiotics, you must continue to take them for the entire indicated length of time. Finish the full course, even if your symptoms of infection have disappeared.
- Salt Water Rinses: To further reduce discomfort and keep the area clean, you can rinse with warm salt water. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, then gently swish the solution in your mouth before spitting it out. Do this three times a day.
- Brushing and Flossing: Continue to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. Good hygiene is essential; just be gentle around the tender area.
The Final, Critical Step: The Crown
A root canal saves the tooth from infection, but the procedure can leave the tooth more brittle than it was before. The final step in the process is typically placing a permanent crown on the tooth. This is not an optional step; it is critical for the long-term health and survival of your tooth.
A crown acts like a helmet, covering the entire tooth to protect it from the forces of chewing and preventing it from fracturing in the future. We strongly recommend having this final restoration placed as soon as possible after your root canal is complete. Delaying this final step can result in the tooth cracking or breaking, which could lead to the need for an extraction—the very outcome we worked to avoid.
When to Call Us
Your comfort and health are our top priorities. While some tenderness is normal, please contact our dental office if you experience any of the following:
- Discomfort that cannot be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications.
- The development of visible swelling inside or outside your mouth.
- Your entire temporary filling or crown falls out.
- Your bite feels uneven once the numbness wears off.
- You have any other questions or concerns about your recovery.
By following these guidelines, you are setting yourself up for a successful recovery and a healthy, pain-free tooth for years to come.
Visit our East El Paso office:
The Dentist
3060 Joe Battle Blvd.
El Paso, TX 79938
Call or Text Us Today:
(915) 228-3084