How To Help A Root Canal Heal Faster

Root canals require a bit more post-procedure care than other dental work because the root of the tooth is exposed during the procedure. This increases the chance of an infection deep in the jaw.  While many people report that root canals are no more painful than fillings, healing can take longer because the procedure is more invasive. Here are some things you can do to help heal faster after a root canal.

Take Your Antibiotics

Infection and the resulting inflammation is the most common source of pain after a root canal. Even if you aren't feeling much pain, taking the antibiotics your dentist prescribed will ensure that the inflammation is minimized and help the tissues get back to normal faster.

Avoid Hard Foods

The faster the swelling goes down, the faster the pain will go away. Don't eat anything excessively hard or crunchy, which will just put additional stress on your tooth and gums. It's also a good idea to avoid eating things that are "challenging" to chew such as taffy or peanut brittle. If the root canal was performed on one of your front teeth, try not to eat things that require a biting and pulling motion such as intact apples.

Floss

Floss your teeth gently after eating to make sure no food particles remain between your teeth. The pressure of a food particle can irritate the raw area and can also introduce bacteria and increase the chance of infection. Follow the flossing with a warm salt-water rinse if your dentist has advised it, but ask him or her first before using other types of mouthwash or dental rinses. Some have germ-killing properties but may be too harsh on the tooth while others contain alcohol that could dry out the tissue and interfere with healing.  

Use a Soft-Bristled Brush

If you are used to medium or hard-bristled brushes, try switching to soft bristles until your tooth heals. Harder bristles may create microscopic tears in the gums. While they normally wouldn't affect you, they can create another avenue for bacteria to enter this sensitive area. Plus, soft bristles can simply be more comfortable after a root canal.

Don't Smoke

If you smoke, try to avoid doing so for as long as possible. While you might feel like having a cigarette as soon as you get up from the dentist's chair, both the heat from the smoke and the nicotine that enters your bloodstream can interfere with the healing process in the soft tissues of your mouth. Additionally, there is some evidence that smoking can increase your chances of needing another root canal in the future. Although the exact relationship is unknown, it's believed that smoking exacerbates inflammation.

Some people naturally heal faster than others, and it's not unusual to still feel some lingering pain after a few days or in rare cases, weeks. Follow your dentist's instructions, be gentle on your tooth and keep it as clean as possible to prevent infection, and you'll help it heal even faster. However, always contact your dentist, such as Pinon Hills Dental, if the pain gets worse or does not seem to fade away gradually.