How to Keep Your Results with Root Canal Therapy in Toledo, OH?

When a tooth becomes infected or damaged in such a way that it cannot be saved by other forms of treatment, root canal therapy is a common and effective procedure performed to save the tooth. It needs to be looked after didn’t get arrested for a root canal so even if you treated the tooth as well as possible without getting into any bad situation as advised by a family dentist in Toledo, OH. High-quality dental work is available in Toledo, OH, but knowing how to take care of your teeth when you get home can go a long way toward maintaining your oral health anytime.

The Importance of Oral Hygiene Following Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is cleaning the inside portion of a tooth (the pulp) out after it has become infected and sealing off that area to further infection. Then, the tooth will need a crown to help it stay strong and work properly. While the root canal removes the infection, if you do not keep up with your oral hygiene that tissue and those gums can still get infected.

Instructions for Oral Home Care After Treatment.

So to get the most out of your root canal therapy and have a healthy recovery, below are several key oral hygiene tips you should follow.

1. Brushing

They can help prevent the accumulation of bacteria and plaque which is most likely to lead to reinfection, so it is prudent that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. But you’ll want to be careful with the area for which you had a root canal if it is still sore in the days following your procedure. It is best to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and be careful when brushing on the treated tooth to avoid any pain.

2. Floss Daily

Flossing helps with the removal of food particles and plaque within the interdental spaces, that area where foods can sometimes be trapped and at the gum line. However, there may still be bacteria hiding away in the spots between your teeth that can lead to infection or rot even though you have a root canal and your treated tooth feels fine.

3. Do Not Chew Foods Straight After Treatment

One should always refrain from chewing on the treated tooth after the root canal as it is not restored with a crown. The procedure can make the tooth weaker temporarily, so chewing hard or sticky lenses can lead to the cracking or breaking of that tooth. It is a good idea to eat only soft foods for several days.

4. Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash

This allows a healing process to begin while orally cleansing unpleasant germs, allowing the bleeding area to be disinfected using an antiseptic mouthwash. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash with either fluoride or antimicrobial properties that help to maintain a clean environment in your mouth without irritating the tissues surrounding the treated tooth. Your dentist may even give you a specific one.

A root canal is an important procedure where a tooth that would otherwise need extraction can be saved. Post-treatment, however, good oral hygiene is extremely important to ensure your treated teeth and gums stay healthy. These tips will help increase the success of your root canal: brush and floss, avoid hard foods, use mouthwash, and monitor infection. Toledo, OH — Keeping these practices up will help you have a healthier smile for years after your root canal therapy, so residents of Toledo, OH be sure to continue taking care of your teeth. Feel free to contact your dentist if you have concerns or are unsure of what to do, after the treatment.