As soon as they walked through the door, you knew something was wrong. Apparently, your spouse/partner needs a root canal, and they’re a little nervous about it. Thankfully, movies and TV have GREATLY exaggerated the discomfort associated with the procedure. But what about afterward? Is there anything you can do to help their recovery? With just a little preparation, you can put both your minds at ease.
Coordinate Schedules
A root canal can typically be completed with just local anesthesia, and most patients report basically feeling nothing in the chair. However, if your spouse/partner is really nervous and opts for sedation, you’ll likely have a part to play on the day.
If they’re getting nitrous oxide, they should be able to drive themselves to and from the office. But if they’re using oral conscious sedation, you’ll need to take them to and from their appointment. They’ll likely be drowsy for several hours afterward, so make sure you’re available to check in with them for the rest of the day.
Soup’s On!
A little soreness and swelling are to be expected after a root canal. Nothing too dramatic, but sticking to a soft food diet at first can make the initial healing period much more comfortable. So one of the best things you can do is stock up on items like soup, eggs, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, etc.
While You’re There…
When you’re at the store browsing the soup aisle, you can also pick up some pain medication. Anything with ibuprofen will help; just make sure to avoid acetaminophen, as it can thin the blood and potentially make bleeding worse.
Brrr
A cold compress used in 20-minute increments can help with any aches or swelling. Just make sure you have ice, a plastic bag, and a towel to wrap around it. Placing ice directly on the face won’t feel great after a few minutes and can actually harm the skin.
When to Reach Out
Your spouse/partner should basically be back to normal after two to three days. But, if their pain gets worse during that time, the swelling doesn’t go down, or they develop a fever, be sure to call their dentist. These are clear signs of infection, and the faster they can be seen, the less of an issue it should be.
Kind Encouragement
After your spouse/partner’s root canal, they’ll need to have a crown placed on their treated tooth to ensure it stays strong and whole. Many patients skip this step, which is definitely not recommended! So if it has been a few weeks since their root canal, maybe ask them about the crown. The sooner they get it, the better, as this dramatically reduces the risk of future issues with the tooth.
Helping your spouse/partner recover from a root canal isn’t complicated, but it will certainly be appreciated!
About the Author
Husband-and-wife dentists Dr. Krysten Jackson and Dr. Eric Parsons, both graduated from the OU College of Dentistry, and they pride themselves on providing care that is comfortable, personalized, and designed to last. You can reach us at (405) 262-6737 or click here to request an appointment.