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Caring for Your Mouth after a Root Canal


Posted on 1/15/2025 by Nancy Shiba DDS
A dentist performing a dental check-up on a smiling male patient in a clinic, emphasizing professional care and comfort.A root canal is a common dental procedure that helps save a tooth that's been infected or severely decayed. While it's a very successful procedure, it's important to take good care of your mouth afterwards to ensure proper healing and prevent further problems.

What Happens During a Root Canal?


During a root canal, your dentist will remove the infected or damaged pulp from the inside of your tooth. This pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, which is why the procedure can sometimes be uncomfortable. Once the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. Then, the tooth is filled and sealed to protect it from further infection.

Why is Oral Care Important After a Root Canal?


After a root canal, your tooth is more susceptible to fracture. This is because the tooth has lost its blood supply and is no longer able to repair itself as easily. Additionally, the filling material used to seal the tooth can sometimes leak, allowing bacteria to enter and cause further infection.

Therefore, it's crucial to take good care of your mouth after a root canal to:

•  Prevent infection: Good oral hygiene habits will help to keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria that can cause infection.
•  Promote healing: Proper care will help your body to heal and rebuild the bone around your tooth.
•  Protect your tooth: Taking care of your tooth will help to prevent it from fracturing.

How to Care for Your Mouth After a Root Canal


Here are some tips on how to care for your mouth after a root canal:

•  Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. This will help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
•  Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help to protect your tooth from further damage.
•  Avoid hard foods and sticky foods. These foods can damage your tooth and make it more likely to fracture.
•  Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your final restoration is placed. This will help to protect the tooth from breaking.
•  See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This will help to ensure that your tooth is healing properly and that there are no signs of infection.

Restoration Dentistry and Your Root Canal


In most cases, a crown will be placed on your tooth after a root canal. This will help to protect the tooth and restore its function. Crowns are typically made of porcelain or metal, and they can be matched to the color of your other teeth.

Taking Care of Your Oral Health is an Investment


Following these tips will help you to take good care of your mouth after a root canal. By doing so, you can help to ensure that your tooth heals properly and that you can continue to enjoy a healthy smile for years to come. Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall well-being.

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Dental Blog • Nancy Shiba, DDS
Nancy Shiba, DDS, 125 N Jackson Ave, Suite 103, San Jose, CA 95116-1914, (669) 306-7669, nancyshibadds.com, 2/3/2025