Are you wondering what to expect after getting a root canal? Here are seven practical tips for recovering from a root canal.

About 15 million root canal procedures are performed every year. If you have a root canal procedure scheduled, discuss the recovery process with your dentist. Following the proper recovery procedure can ensure a faster recovery.

Here are seven tips from your dentist in Stockton, CA to help ensure a fast and easy recovery. With these tips, you can heal from the procedure and prioritize your dental care.

Read on to learn more!

1. Rest

One of the best things you can do for yourself while recovering from a root canal procedure is rest. Your body needs rest to heal. Try to get as much sleep as possible in the days following your procedure.

Getting adequate rest during this time will help you return to your normal routine as soon as possible.

As you sleep, your body releases small proteins called cytokines. Cytokines help your body fight inflammation, trauma, or infection when you're sick or injured. Neglecting to get enough sleep could impair your immune system's ability to function.

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or illness. Too much inflammation, however, can cause redness, pain, and swelling.

When inflammation doesn't decrease naturally, imbalances can occur. Your body releases prolactin while you sleep to help regulate and reduce inflammation. As a result, healing and recovery become more efficient.

Before getting your beauty (and healing) rest, make sure to grab an extra pillow. Try to elevate your head while sleeping.

Elevating your head will minimize any pain symptoms you experience.

Sleeping also increases blood flow to the muscles. Your blood carries healing oxygen and nutrients to injured areas. Cells even regenerate when blood flow increases.

As you rest, your body will release hormones throughout your bloodstream, too. These hormones can aid in healing, muscle repair, and tissue growth.

A lack of sleep, on the other hand, will only prolong the healing process. If you're struggling to sleep, talk to your dentist.

They can recommend tips and medications to help you get the rest you need.

2. Adjust Your Diet

Your diet can aid or impair the healing process as well.

After your root canal procedure, try to follow a healthy diet full of anti-inflammatory foods. Some anti-inflammatory foods include:

Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, herring)
Broccoli
Avocado
Green tea
Peppers
Grapes
Mushrooms
Turmeric
Extra virgin olive oil
Dark chocolate/cocoa
Tomatoes

Make sure foods are cooked and soft.

Try to avoid any oily, sugary, crunchy, or spicy foods for the 48 hours following the procedure. These foods may trigger inflammation around the treatment site.

Instead, choose softer foods high in vitamins A and C.

These foods include sweet potatoes, carrots (cooked), and eggs. You can also consume smoothies, but try to avoid anything high in sugar.

3. Gargle

To minimize the risk of infection and combat pain symptoms, gargle using warm salt water. Make sure the water isn't too hot.

Your gums are more susceptible to infection following a root canal procedure. Rinsing your mouth out using warm salt water can keep the treatment site clean. It can minimize swelling, too.

During the healing process, don't forget to prioritize your oral care. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day.

Make sure to floss to clean away food particles, bacteria, and plaque, too.

Choose a toothpaste that includes fluoride.

Brushing and flossing will minimize plaque formation and any potential complications from the procedure.

4. Treat Yourself

You can eat ice cream following your root canal procedure. Make sure it's free of chunks, nuts, or any other hard substances.

Ice cream's cold temperature can help ease inflammation and infection.

Otherwise, make sure to avoid hot beverages or foods that are hard and sticky. These substances can cause infections.

5. Take Medication

Talk to your dentist in Stockton, CA about the medication you can take following the procedure.

Many people feel fine immediately following their procedure, only to experience pain after the anesthesia wears off. Don't panic if you experience pain symptoms.

Root canal treatment helps relieve toothaches. To combat pain from the procedure, use over-the-counter pain medications like Advil. Talk to your dentist beforehand to make sure you don't take anything that might interact with medications you're already taking.

6. Avoid Activity

Remember, it's important to rest following your procedure. In addition to sleeping, try to avoid strenuous activities. Instead, get comfy on the couch and binge-watch shows you haven't had time for in the past.

For at least 48 hours after your procedure, avoid strenuous activity and exercise. You don't need to sit on the couch all day.

However, you shouldn't run or hike, either.

7. Pay Attention

In the days following your procedure, pay attention to how you're feeling. Make a note each time you experience persistent pain.

While it's normal to feel some pain, it should be temporary. If your pain persists, let your dentist know. Pain or discomfort a few days after the procedure might indicate an infection or other issues.

Don't ignore signs of an infection, including:

Swelling and tenderness
Pain
Dental abscess
Chronic bad breath
Darkening of the tooth

Let your dentist know right away if you experience these symptoms.

Make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your Stockton dentist as well. Your dentist can assess how you're healing or check for signs of an infection.

Root Canal Recovery: Talk to Your Dentist in Stockton, CA

Take it easy by following these tips during your root canal recovery period. With these tips, you can speed up the recovery process and avoid complications. Don't forget to schedule that follow-up appointment with your dentist in Stockton, CA.

Once you heal, you can start enjoying your beautiful smile without pain!

Need to schedule an appointment to discuss your dental health? We can't wait to see you.

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