What is a root canal? A root canal is a procedure used to save a damaged or infected tooth. During a root canal, the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth is removed and the tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection.
What do you I need to know about root canals?
Day-to-day home care instructions for root canals:
Keep the treated area clean by gently brushing your teeth and the area around the treated tooth, being careful not to disturb the temporary filling.
Avoid biting or chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent filling or crown is placed.
Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed to alleviate any discomfort or pain.
Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods on the treated side of the mouth for the first few days following the procedure.
Avoid using tobacco products, as they can slow down the healing process.
Keep your follow-up appointment with your dentist to have the temporary filling removed and a permanent filling or crown placed.
It is important to follow these instructions and any additional instructions provided by your dentist to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome for your root canal treatment. If you experience severe pain, swelling, fever or any other symptoms please contact your dentist right away.
