Recover From a Root Canal
Nobody likes root canals and they have a fearsome reputation for being painful and cumbersome procedures. Recent advances in dentistry have made the process much easier, without the pain and discomfort that were once far more common. Even so, a root canal is a significant operation, and you should take steps to recover from it correctly.
Instructions
1. Eat soft foods for the first few days after the root canal. The tooth is often sensitive (lingering effects of the decayed material that the root canal removed), and tough or crunchy foots can slow down the time it takes to recover. Look for foods like soup, hot cereal, applesauce, yogurt and bananas to eat,= and try to refrain from chewing on the side of your mouth where the root canal took place.
2. Place some crushed ice in a sealable plastic bag and wrap a cloth towel around it. Hold it against your jaw to reduce the swelling or discomfort. Empty the bag out and replace it with fresh ice as the old ice melts.
3. Refrain from any lifting or physical exertion while you recover from a root canal. It may cause your jaw to ache, as the blood assisting with the healing process is dispersed to other parts of your body as part of the physical activity. In particular, stay away from any activity that requires you to bend over or reduce the elevation of your head.
4. Keep your head elevated while you sleep for the first few days after a root canal. If your head lowers below the rest of your body in the night, it may cause bleeding and further impede steps to recover from the operation.
5. Take medication to reduce the pain and swelling. Most dentists recommend non-prescription ibuprofen, such as Advil, Nuprin or Motrin, taken several times a day. You may also be prescribed heavier pain relief or antibiotics while you recover: be sure to ask your dentist about any possible problems that stem from mixing medications or any non-prescription medications you may be taking along with whatever he prescribes.
6. Stop smoking while you recover. Smoking severely retards the healing process and may make things worse by introducing carcinogens and other poisons into the newly repaired tooth. As difficult as it may be, try to quit smoking entirely until your mouth has a proper chance to heal.
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