Though generally minimally invasive and in many instances there is no special care required, patients who had root canal treatments done are ought to know some relevant information that helps to ensure their full comfort.
First of all, it is not uncommon to have some discomfort following the root canal therapy. Such discomfort is mostly manifesting as some soreness on biting, This soreness is prevalently minor and does not present a major problem for most of the patients especially given it’s temporary nature. However, sometimes one may take a single dose of general house hold pain killer such as Tylenol 250-500 mg or Ibuprofen 200 mg to help reducing the discomfort. No further action is usually required.
Second, the teeth that had a root canal procedures done are generally structurally weak until received a final restoration in a form of a tooth crown that helps to preserve the tooth’s structural integrity. Therefore please avoid consuming any food that requires any excessive chewing action / force. Such food may include tough steak, bread crust and bagels or hard candies / ice cubes. Please also follow any specific diet advice that was given to you by your doctor and ensure that your tooth receives a full crown restoration following the root canal treatment as soon as practically possible.
Third. If your doctor informed you that you had a temporary filling placed please exercise fair caution while subjecting this tooth to any excessive chewing force for it may damage the temporary filling or even cause its loss. The presence of such temporary filling is usually required to retain some medications inside of your tooth to assist in further root canal treatment and/ or help to alleviate pain and infection.
Forth. Maintain your normal oral hygiene, namely flossing, brushing and using water irrigators unless specifically advised on certain restrictions.
Fifth. If prescribed any medications such as antibiotics, please take it as prescribed and finish the entire course as suggested unless any unexpected reaction or side effect occurs
And last, but not least, please do not hesitate to contact us if your situation does not fit into any scenario described above or you may have any other specific concerns, questions or let alone problems.