As any MetLife PPO dentist in Scottsdale will tell you, root canals are routine procedures, but they require some basic aftercare in order to facilitate healing. It’s important to pay special attention to your health if you’ve just had a root canal, as you want to avoid problems like infection, excessive swelling and other complications. Read on for some helpful tips on how to care for yourself after a root canal, and see how easy it is to speed up your recovery and avoid infection.
The most important tip to remember for the first day or so after your root canal is to avoid over-exerting yourself and to get plenty of rest. It takes time for your body to heal after a root canal, and overdoing it on physical activities can make it take even longer. Be smart and take a break for a few days and your body will thank you in the end.
Another important tip after a root canal is to rinse your mouth regularly throughout the day to prevent bacteria from building up. Lukewarm saltwater works great for this purpose, as it’s a very effective germ fighter and helps to reduce swelling too. If you are still experiencing swelling after rinsing, try gently applying an ice pack or a package of frozen peas to your face. Don’t have the ice pack on for more than 15 minutes per hour in order to avoid burning your skin.
Finally, don’t smoke for the first day after a root canal and reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke every day after that. Cutting down or stopping smoking altogether will help you heal after a root canal.
When you take care of yourself after a root canal, it makes a big difference in your overall results. By following these easy tips along with the directions from your dentist, you can enjoy the smoothest possible healing process in the days after your procedure.