Keeping your teeth young
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Keeping your teeth young

As we get older suddenly we realised many things we didn't appreciate about being young - being fit, having smooth skin and having all your own teeth. As our loose teeth (and bridges) struggle to deal with chewier food we start eating bland mush and, there is no easy way to say this, OLD PEOPLE FOOD. I'm determined not to let that happen to me and I'm doing everything I can to keep my own teeth as long as possible, and when that's not possible to get the best possible teeth replacement. If you are like me and want to keep on eating whatever you want, I think you'll like my site. It's all about dental health and teeth replacement & maintenance.

Keeping your teeth young

Root Canal Recovery: The "Do's" and the "Don'ts" to Follow For a Fast Recovery

Mabel Hicks

Root canal treatment can seem good and bad, all at the same time. It's good because you'll finally have a healthy tooth and be out of pain, but bad because you'll have to take some special measures to ensure a proper recovery. Fortunately, the bad part of root canal recovery isn't nearly as difficult as you may have heard. In fact, with a few simple tips, you can expect to be feeling fine in just a few days. Here are the do's and don'ts of root canal recovery. 

Do: Take the Day Off

Whilst root canal therapy is done as a day patient procedure, it's more complex than your average cavity filling. You'll need to take the remainder of the day off work after your root canal procedure, as you'll be recovering from local anaesthesia. Your dentist may also give you anti-anxiety medication, which can make you drowsy for several hours after the root canal. If you rest for the remainder of the day at home, you'll likely feel well enough to return to work tomorrow. 

Don't: Drive Yourself Home After the Root Canal Appointment

You should make plans for a friend or family member to drive you home following your root canal procedure. You'll still be under the influence of the anaesthesia and medication, making it unsafe to drive. It's usually fine to drive the next day, at the same time you return to work. 

Do: Eat Soft Foods

In the first few days after your root canal procedure, opt for soft foods. Consider choices like: 

  • Yoghurt
  • Cottage cheese
  • Soup
  • Oatmeal
  • Pasta
  • Eggs

Stay away from anything that requires significant chewing for a few days whilst you become accustomed to your new crown. You'll typically be able to go back to eating normally in just a couple of days, based on your dentist's individual recommendations. 

Don't Touch or Put Pressure on Your Tooth

Whilst it's usually fine to brush and floss as normal after a root canal, it's important to resist any temptation that you might have to touch or put pressure on the newly crowned tooth. The crown is secure, but you do need to allow the dental cement a few days to fully set for ideal attachment. 

Root canal procedures are now more advanced and precise than they've ever been. This means that patients now have quite short recoveries—and your recovery can be as fast as possible if you follow the tips discussed above. Don't forget to discuss all aspects of your root canal recovery with your dentist to achieve optimal healing.


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