How to Take Care of Yourself After Major Dental Work: A Gentle Guide to Healing

Guest article from thedentalplanstore.com.

If you’ve just had major dental work, whether it was a root canal, extraction, or another intensive procedure, you’re probably feeling a mix of relief and discomfort right about now. Although your dentist assured you that everything went well, once home, the reality of healing is setting in. Your mouth feels sore, your body is tired, and all you want is to curl up with some ice cream and watch your favorite TV show. And you know what? That’s exactly what you should do.

Being stubborn I learned this the hard way after a recent root canal. I was nervous even before the procedure and afterward because of not giving my body the respect and care it deserves turned it into a month long infection and many painful nights filled with a lot of tossing and turning.

As I came to know, taking care of yourself after a visit to the dental office for major dental work isn’t just about following the instructions your dentist gave you (though that is important). It’s also about being kind to yourself, listening to your body, and allowing yourself the time and space to heal. Here’s a gentle, sympathetic guide to help you navigate the next few days with as much comfort and ease as possible.

Photo by Pixabay

1. Rest, Rest, and More Rest

Your body needs energy to heal, and that means one of the best things you can do after major dental work is to rest. Whether you took the day off from work or cleared your schedule, allow yourself the luxury of complete relaxation. If you’re a type-A personality like me, slowing down, for any reason, just doesn’t feel right. But remember, your body has been through a stressful (even traumatic) experience, and stress can slow down healing. So force yourself to do this, the world will still be waiting for you when you’re ready. This is first because it’s that important.

Grab your softest blanket, find a cozy spot on the couch, and let yourself drift in and out of naps. Sleep is a powerful healer, and giving yourself permission to rest will make a huge difference in your recovery.

2. Savor Soft Foods

One of the biggest challenges after major dental work is eating. Your mouth is tender, and chewing anything too hard or sticky, especially near the location of the dental procedure, can cause pain—or worse, disrupt the healing process. This is the perfect time to indulge in soft foods that are gentle on your mouth but still nourishing.

Some great options include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Scrambled eggs
• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Soup (just make sure it’s not too hot!)
• Oatmeal
• Smoothies

And yes, ice cream! As long as it’s not too cold for your sensitive mouth, a little ice cream can be a wonderful treat. Plus, the coolness can help soothe any swelling or discomfort.

3. Keep the Pain Under Control

Pain after major dental work is completely normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Your dentist probably prescribed pain medication or recommended an over-the-counter option. Follow their instructions carefully, and don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable to take it. Staying ahead of the discomfort can make a big difference in how you feel overall.

In addition to medication, applying an ice pack to the outside of your jaw can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Use it for 15-20 minutes at a time, with a break in between, to avoid irritating your skin.

4. Take It Easy with Oral Hygiene

After a procedure like a root canal or an extraction, you’ll need to be extra gentle with your oral care. Your dentist will likely give you specific instructions, such as when you can start brushing and whether you should rinse with salt water. Following these guidelines is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing.

If you’ve had an extraction, be particularly careful about avoiding suction—this means no straws, no spitting forcefully, and no smoking. Suction can dislodge the blood clot that’s forming in the empty socket, leading to a painful condition called dry socket. And trust me, that’s something you want to avoid.

5. Hydrate Carefully

Drinking plenty of fluids is important for healing, but just like with food, you need to be more mindful at this time. Stick to room-temperature or cool water, herbal teas, and broths. Avoid anything too hot, carbonated, or acidic, as these can irritate your sensitive mouth.

And again, no straws! Sip gently to avoid putting any unnecessary stress on your mouth.

6. Find Comfort in Distraction

Recovery can seem to drag on for a long time, especially if you’re uncomfortable. One of the best ways to pass the time is to indulge in distractions that make you happy. Queue up your favorite TV shows, dive into a good book, or listen to a soothing podcast. If you’re feeling up to it, light stretching or a slow walk can also help boost your mood without overexerting yourself.

7. Be Kind to Yourself

It’s easy to get frustrated when you’re not feeling your best. You might be annoyed that you can’t eat your favorite foods, or that your energy levels are lower than usual. But healing takes time, and the best thing you can do is be patient with yourself.

Give yourself permission to take it slow. If you need an extra day of rest, take it. If you’re feeling emotional, allow yourself to feel it. Major dental work is not just physically demanding—it can be mentally and emotionally taxing, too.

8. Know When to Call Your Dentist

Most discomfort after major dental work is normal, but if something feels off, don’t hesitate to call your dental office. You should reach out if you experience:

• Severe pain that isn’t improving with medication
• Excessive bleeding
• Signs of infection (fever, chills, pus, or a bad taste in your mouth)
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Your dentist wants you to heal safely, and they’d rather you check in than tough it out alone.

9. Look Forward to Feeling Better

It may not feel like it right now, but each day, you’re one step closer to feeling better. Soon, the soreness will fade, and you’ll be able to eat normally again. In the meantime, take comfort in the little things—warm blankets, soft foods, and the knowledge that your body is doing exactly what it needs to do to heal.

Taking care of yourself after major dental work is about more than just managing pain; it’s about treating yourself with kindness and patience. So, rest up, indulge in your favorite comforting food, and let yourself be a little extra gentle with yourself. You’ve got this!