Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the tissue inside teeth, also known as the dental pulp. Endodontic treatment is used to treat dental infections, tooth decay, and tooth damage. Patients need to pay extra attention and care after undergoing an endodontic procedure. The steps taken during the recovery period are important because they help to prevent reinfection and minimizes discomfort.
A common endodontic procedure is the root canal. While root canal treatment may appear difficult, it is normally performed as an outpatient procedure and patients are usually sent home the same day with the necessary instructions. Following the procedure, patients must take care of their teeth and carefully follow the recommendations, including:
Brushing and flossing are the two most important processes in dental hygiene. Patients must ensure they keep a proper oral hygiene regimen after undergoing an endodontic procedure. It is advisable to keep the treated area clean to prevent the risk of additional infection. Brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing once a day can help ensure this. However, patients also need to be cautious when cleaning and flossing their teeth to avoid discomfort.
The treated tooth will be sensitive for a few days. Therefore, it is better to keep track of meals to consume. Patients should stay away from foods that cause inflammation. Certain foods, such as fries, chips, nuts, or abrasive substances, might strain the tooth and should be avoided. Also, patients should avoid excessive intake of sweet foods because they might contribute to infection.
Aside from that, for a few days, avoid biting or chewing strongly with the treated tooth. This will ensure that the tooth remains healthy and in place. Choose something simple to chew. Comfort food is the way to go. Oatmeal, soups, soft vegetables, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, mashed bananas, and spaghetti, for example, are tooth-friendly foods. Hard, greasy, and sticky foods are not advisable since they might cause tooth cracks.
After the numbness from the anesthetic wears off, patients may experience discomfort in the area during the healing process. Soreness is also common. It may feel unpleasant at first, but these feelings are temporary and may be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. To minimize discomfort, the dentist may potentially prescribe a stronger painkiller.
They will also prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading. Patients need to follow the dentist's orders and take their medications on time. If discomfort persists or infection is suspected, make an appointment with the dentist immediately.
Following endodontic treatment, you must take good care of your teeth. To avoid future issues, you must maintain a close eye on your dental health, from brushing and flossing to eating healthily and seeing your dentist regularly. By taking good care and keeping dental hygiene after the procedure, you can have a smooth recovery.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gatewaydental.org or call Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS at (301) 485-7492 for an appointment in our Bowie office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Endodontics in Bowie, MD.
Dental crowns can treat many different concerns. They can repair damaged teeth, attach to dental implants for teeth replacement, and more. Two of the main types of dental crowns are metal and porcelain crowns. Both are effective solutions, but one may be preferable to another depending on the intended purpose.Your dentist should help you decide…
Periodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating issues that affect gum tissues and the other structures that support teeth. They provide a wide range of treatments, from restorative treatments for periodontal disease to cosmetic treatments aimed at improving the aesthetics of a person’s smile.Here are a few of the popular treatments used in periodontics to address…
The ideal shade of white targeted during teeth whitening treatments is a few shades lighter than the white of the patient’s eyes. Whitening treatments can make teeth whiter than that, but the results typically would not look natural compared to the rest of the patient’s physical features. Teeth whitening treatments aim to get the patient…
A dental bridge is an option for those who have lost teeth and need to fill in that space to complete their smile or bite. The procedure involves crowns being placed on supporting teeth (known as abutment teeth) that are fused with your missing tooth or teeth by what's called an implant post. The tooth-replacement…
Dental crowns, also called dental caps, are dental restorations that are placed over existing teeth…
Periodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating issues that affect gum tissues and the other structures…
Professional teeth whitening treatments are the ideal way to get teeth whitened and they lead…
A bridge might be your best option if you have one tooth that's damaged or…
Invisalign® treatment can be used to gradually align your teeth through plastic trays that your…
A family dentist focuses on treating oral health conditions for all members of a family,…
