A root canal procedure serves as a treatment to repair and save a decaying tooth and prevent it from causing you more serious problems in the long run. You can receive such treatment from a reputable dentist in Salt Lake City from established practices like Alpenglow Dental. As is true with most dental procedures, you will need to prepare for the recovery period to ensure optimal healing.
Post-Treatment
Here are some pointers from the American Association of Endodontists regarding caring for your teeth right after a root canal treatment:
- Do not eat anything until the numbness in your mouth wears off. This will prevent you from biting your cheek or tongue.
- Do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist.
- Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
Food
You should eat nothing but soft foods at least during the first few weeks right after the treatment – nevertheless, this doesn’t mean turning your back on nutrition. Make sure that you have enough fruits and vegetables in your diet (you might have to settle for fruit shakes or juices though). Eat soup with soft meats, fish, or tofu for your protein intake, while pasta or mashed potatoes are the best sources of carbohydrates.
Future Maintenance
After the recovery period, you might find that your teeth are already beginning to return to their function and strength. In this case, you will still have to keep up with proper cleaning and maintenance practices like you would before your root canal treatment. Your trusted Salt Lake City dentist might also have to periodically run your teeth through an x-ray to check if the healing process is complete.
(Source: Post Treatment Care, American Association of Endodontists)
