If you have a cavity, a root canal is the process of removing the infected tooth pulp and bacteria-laden parts of the root and nerve. After cleaning the area, the dentist will seal the gap left behind. While this treatment has come a long way, offering a much easier experience with little to no pain, as compared to in the past, your mouth will be a bit more vulnerable to bacteria in the days following. Here are some tips for taking care of yourself.

Do:

Watch what you eat.

Your mouth will be numb for several hours after a root canal. This can make it hard to detect how hot items are and may result in injury. In addition to avoiding foods with high temperatures, you should also stick to softer choices that you can eat with the side of your mouth opposite where the treatment was performed. Avoid smoking for a few days if possible so that you don't introduce harmful chemicals to the still-healing area.

Maintain a normal brushing schedule.

Continue to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes to prevent food particles from getting caught in the surgery site. However, use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride-based toothpaste and be gentle. You should also floss, taking precautions to go easy.

Don't:

Push yourself.

You will be given a local anesthetic for the root canal. While this should have no long-term effects, you will likely be drowsy following this procedure. Therefore, have someone drive you home and take the day off work, if possible. To give your body energy to heal, sleep and avoid intensive exercise for several days.

Ignore instructions.

If your dentist gave you a prescription, take it as instructed. They will also provide additional guidelines on how to care for the tooth. A follow-up appointment will be set to check on how you are healing and possibly outfit you with a permanent dental crown to replace the temporary one. If you notice any unusual pain or swelling, reach out to the dentist to ensure that it isn't an infection.

If you need a root canal, turn to Legacy Dental Arts, based out of Eagle River, AK. This team's mission is to lift the spirits of others and enhance people’s lives. As such, their office has a spa-like atmosphere, and Dr. Penfield will answer any questions you may have to soothe your mind about the procedure. To learn more about this office and its capabilities, visit the website. Call (907) 622-7874 to schedule an appointment. Learn why this clinic has a 4.9-star rating by exploring Google reviews.