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Walking out of Advanced Dental Arts after your root canal procedure brings a massive wave of relief. The deep, throbbing toothache that kept you awake at night is officially gone! But before you head home to relax in Norwell, there is an important detail you need to keep in mind. Your tooth is currently sealed with a soft, temporary filling designed to protect it until you return for your permanent crown. Taking a few simple steps to guard this temporary seal helps keep your recovery entirely trouble-free.
Avoid Sticky Food
The temporary filling material our team places inside your tooth takes a few hours to fully dry, and even when dry, it remains slightly soft and chalky. Because of this, you must stay away from sticky, chewy, or gummy foods for the first few days. Gummy candies or thick breads can easily grab onto the edges of the temporary material and pop it straight out of your tooth. Disrupting the filling exposed the inside chambers to bacteria.
Opt for a Gentler Flossing Technique
Keeping the area around your treated tooth clean is important, but standard flossing can be a major hazard for a temporary filling. When you slide dental floss down between your teeth and pull it straight back up, the upward snapping motion can catch the edge of the temporary material and tear it loose. Instead, use the backward flossing trick: slide the floss down normally, clean the side of the tooth, and then let go of one end of the string, pulling it out sideways through the front of your mouth.
Don’t Panic Over a Little Bit of Chalky Flaking
You might notice a slight medicinal taste or feel tiny, chalky grains flaking off the top of your treated tooth. Please do not panic, as this is a completely normal characteristic of temporary dental materials. Our team intentionally fills the opening slightly higher than necessary, knowing that the very top layer will wear down a bit before your next appointment. As long as you don’t see a deep, empty hole, the seal is safe.
Read More: How to Care for Your Teeth After a Root Canal
Comprehensive Root Canal Therapy in Norwell
Being mindful during your daily meals and bathroom habits helps protect your temporary filling after a root canal in Norwell. Throughout the entire root canal process, count on our dentist in Norwell, MA at Advanced Dental Arts for gentle, personalized care.
Ready to eliminate tooth pain and save your natural tooth? Contact us to schedule a consultation for a root canal treatment in Norwell.
