4 Tips to Prevent Reinfection After a Root Canal

No one looks forward to a root canal. While conventional dentistry makes the process pain-free, root canals still involve drilling, filling, and day-after aches. And it doesn’t end there.

Reinfection after a root canal can feel like the worst of the worst. That’s why our team at Sabrina E. Mickel DDS & Associates in Beachwood, Ohio, wants to help you avoid the hassles of root canal re-treatment. 

Sometimes, the reasons for reinfection are technical, due to quirks of anatomy, failure of temporary fillings, or persistent bacteria. But you can also do certain things to help your recovery. Here’s a quick look at the root canal process and four tips to prevent reinfection. 

The root canal process

Root canal therapy saves a natural tooth by removing infected pulp tissue surrounding the tooth nerve root. The procedure involves opening an access point to the tooth’s canal, clearing out bacteria and remaining tissue, then filling and closing the space. A mature tooth can draw the nutrients it needs from contact with the jaw and gums, so it can still survive after the pulp is gone. 

4 tips to prevent reinfection after a root canal

A root canal often requires a two-step process, with a temporary filling placed between appointments. Preventing reinfection often means protecting the temporary filling and keeping your mouth clear of bacteria as much as possible. 

Here are four things you can do to help prevent reinfection after root canal therapy. Preparing ahead of time will help you ace your recovery, and we’ll keep you updated on the specifics of your procedure and recovery. 

1. Oral hygiene

If there’s ever a time you should be on your oral hygiene A-game, it’s after a root canal. Bacteria naturally live in the mouth, and because bacterial overgrowth increases your chances of reinfection after a root canal, controlling bacteria is one of the best ways to reduce the risk. 

You know the routine: Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time, and floss (or water floss) once a day to clean thoroughly. Between appointments, we may recommend going easy around a temporary filling, but otherwise, root canal recovery doesn’t mean avoiding routine care. 

2. Protect your tooth

The period with a temporary filling is a time for caution. Hard and sticky foods can damage this filling, requiring an emergency appointment. Even with your permanent filling in place, your tooth may be vulnerable until we apply a crown over the tooth for the strongest repair. 

3. Don’t wait

While it may be okay to postpone a bi-annual checkup for a week or two, delaying the second appointment for your permanent filling increases your risk of reinfection. Keep these appointments as close together as possible. 

4. Maintain your checkup schedule

When you make it through the first month after your root canal, your chances of reinfection drop significantly, but risks remain. We can monitor your tooth as part of our regular care. Stay on schedule for the best protection. 

At Sabrina E. Mickel DDS & Associates, Dr. Mickel and her team are root canal specialists. Call or click to book an appointment with us today.