Care for a Tooth Restored Through a Root Canal
A proper root canal can restore a tooth which otherwise might have to be lost and ensure that you can make healthy use of it through the rest of your life. Teeth subjected to a root canal treatment have had part or all of their pulp (the nerves and blood vessels at the heart of the tooth) removed. That makes it important to care for it properly following the procedure.
Instructions
1. Ask the dentist to have the restored tooth crowned. A tooth repaired through a root canal will often remain more brittle and fragile then the remainder of your teeth--the removed pulp essentially leaves it as dead bone. A crown can be used to help stabilize it and ensure that it continues to work properly throughout your life.
2. Avoid rinsing your mouth out or spitting for at least one day following the root canal. The restored tooth is often fragile and the surrounding tissues needs time to heal. Rinsing it with water may cause unnecessary complications.
3. Refrain from probing the area with your fingers or feeling it with your tongue. The lingering soreness following a root canal (which usually vanishes after a few days) is probably enough to keep you from poking at it, but the urge to "test" the area may still be strong. The more you let the restored tooth be, the faster it can recover from the root canal.
4. Fill a sealable plastic bag with ice and wrap it in a cloth towel. Apply the towel to your jaw for 20 minutes at a time, refilling the bag as the ice melts. This will prevent swelling and help reduce the pain.
5. Drink lots of fluids. Experts suggest taking six to eight full glasses of liquid a day to help care for the restored tooth. Stay away from caffeinated beverages or excessively hot or cold liquids: water, milk and any type of fruit juice is recommended.
6. Commit to a diet of soft foods and follow through on it. Hot cereal, yogurt, soup and fruits such as bananas make the easiest foods to consume following a root canal. Try to avoid chewing on the pertinent side of your jaw if you can help it.
7. Stay away from smoking or chewing tobacco. They carry carcinogens and disease which can adversely affect your restored tooth. If you can quit them completely, that would be ideal, but they should be avoided for at least a week or two while your restored tooth recovers.
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