Not too long ago, root canal therapy was considered to be one of the most painful dental experiences that someone could go through. However, thanks to advances in dentistry and modern technology, this is no longer the case. Root canal therapy near you comes with many benefits, including:
- Enhancing the appearance of your smile
- Eliminating your pain
- Restoring your chewing function
- Preventing tooth loss
If you are preparing for root canal therapy in Millwoods, our team at Dental Elements has some tips that you can follow for a comfortable, quick, and effective recovery.
#1 Follow the RICE Method
Our dentist near you tells patients to follow the acronym RICE. This first-aid motto stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. While you may believe that this acronym is only good for bodily injuries such as a sprained ankle or pulled muscle, it is also useful for minimizing pain and swelling after root canals.
Rest: for the first couple of days following your procedure, avoid strenuous exercise and activities such as manual labor, lots of talking, and sports.
Ice: use a cold compress for 15 minutes every few hours for the first couple of days following your treatment.
Compress: this is a bit more difficult to accomplish due to the location of your swelling being in your mouth, but you can use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to place pressure on the swollen area.
Elevate: our dentist in Millwoods recommends that you sleep sitting up for a few nights following your procedure to elevate your head and limit the amount of swelling that occurs.
#2 Take Pain Medication as Needed
While root canals are thought to be painful, the actual procedure is completely painless. However, most patients experience some level of pain after their operation once the numbing has worn off. If your dentist does not provide you with prescription pain-relievers, then you can use over-the-counter pain medications such as anti-inflammatories to ease your pain.
#3 Wait a While Before Eating
Of course, you will need to eat eventually. However, our team recommends that you spend some time resting your mouth before diving into a meal after your procedure. Once you feel good enough to eat, begin with soft foods such as mashed potatoes and ice cream, and steer clear of crunchy or hot foods.
#4 Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
The most important tip of all is to ensure that you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions as closely as you can. Your dentist is an expert in oral care and knows how to ensure that you heal as efficiently and quickly as possible.
They will likely provide you with a list of instructions and foods to eat and avoid during the first few days following your root canal treatment. Do your best to stick to these instructions so that you heal with ease.
Visit Dental Elements
If you have any further questions or concerns about root canal treatment, what it entails, and how long recovery is, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team of dental professionals at Dental Elements. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have and ensure that you feel comfortable and knowledgeable about your dental procedure and oral health. Please get in touch with us to book a consultation today!