Root canal therapy allows your child’s pediatric dentist to save a tooth that’s badly decayed or damaged. Since this crucial dental care treatment involves removing damaged tissue, your child will need special care to promote healing and comfort. To help you navigate the healing process with them, review the following suggestions.

How Can You Care for Your Child After a Root Canal?

1. Manage Discomfort

As with other procedures, your child may experience mild discomfort after they get home. Most young patients feel better after taking over-the-counter pain medication. You can also place a cold compress or ice pack on their cheek to alleviate swelling and tenderness. Don’t apply pressure when holding the compress in place, and don’t let your child use it for longer than 15 minutes. Their discomfort should be gone within a few days.

2. Watch for Signs of Infection

Even if a pediatric dentist prescribes antibiotics after the procedure, monitor your child for signs of infection. Fever, severe or lasting pain, visible discharge or pus at the procedure site, and swelling could indicate an infection. Contact your child’s dental care team if any symptoms arise to get prompt treatment.

3. Prepare Their Favorite Soft Foods

To avoid irritating the site or exacerbating any tenderness, your child should only eat soft foods for the first full day of healing. Wait until the numbness has worn off completely before letting them eat, and remind them to still be gentle while eating. Examples of soft foods include ice cream, mashed potatoes, soup, puréed fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and macaroni and cheese. Avoid items with chunks or hard pieces, such as cereal or burgers. As sensitivity decreases, gradually add firmer foods to their diet.

4. Maintain Their Dental Care

Your child will still need to brush and floss their teeth to maintain good oral hygiene and reduce the risk of infection. Unless they’ve had stitches, they should be able to lightly brush and floss around the treated tooth, but if they have a temporary filling, they should make sure not to disturb it. Sit with them at night and in the morning to make sure they brush, floss, and rinse their other teeth as usual.

If your child is experiencing dental issues, reach out to Pedodontic Associates. With three offices throughout Maui and Oahu, HI, their team has over 25 years of experience providing gentle but effective dental care to children of all ages. Their pediatric dentists provide root canals, emergency treatment, and preventive care. Visit them online to learn more about how they can help, and call the Aiea office at (808) 487-7933, the Honolulu office at (808) 735-1733, or the Kahului office at (808) 877-0066.