Getting Rid of Gum Disease

Are you having a root canal to help alleviate the pain in one of your teeth? If so, you'll be hoping that the surgery is successful and problem free. However, it is normal to experience some temporary pain after the surgery. While it should clear up on its own, here are some tips that will help you deal with the pain until it clears up.

Medication

Be sure to have a pain reliever on hand that is anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen. Take it as soon as the procedure is over to help deal with pain that you'll experience after any anesthesia wears off. You do not want to wait for the paint to start, since it can take a while for the pain medication to kick in. The pain reliever not only helps with discomfort, but can treat mild swelling in the area where the root canal was performed.

Ask your dentist about taking the medication before the procedure starts. This will help ensure that it is in full effect by the time the surgery is complete, giving you the best chance are relieving discomfort.

Numbing Gel

You'll also want to have a numbing gel on hand to help deal with the pain. This gel contains benzocaine, which will give your gums a temporary numbness to the area it is applied. Follow the directions for how often you can apply the gel to the painful area.

Compresses

A non medication option to use is a old fashion cold compress. The cold temperatures will cause a soothing sensation around the area which relieves swelling and pain. You do not want to use a hot pad though, since it can actually cause the area to feel worse. Heat is better for muscle damage, not inflamed tissue.

Elevation

It is also a good idea to keep your head elevated after the procedure. Consider sleeping in a recliner at night, or propping your head up with a lot of pillows. This helps reduce swelling, pain, and bleeding in the in the area. All you really need to do is keep your head elevated above the heart for it to be effective.

If you have concerns about dealing with the pain after your root canal, speak to your family dentist. They can let you know of other methods to deal with the discomfort, or let you know if the discomfort you are feeling is not considered to be normal.