Don’t Stress About Root Canal Recovery: What You Can Expect

As your appointment for a root canal treatment approaches, you may feel a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Maybe you’re feeling worried about any discomfort during the procedure but relieved that your toothache will finally go away! The good news is that modern dentistry has made root canals easier than ever.

Before you can enjoy your painless smile once again, you’ll have to undergo a short recovery time. Fortunately, it can be a smooth journey when you follow the right tips and know what to expect, so here’s what the days following your root canal treatment might look like.

Immediately After a Root Canal & During the First Day

To ensure your comfort during a root canal, your dentist numbs your mouth with a powerful local anesthetic. Due to its strength, the numbness typically takes a few hours to dissipate after your appointment. You may not be able to properly feel your mouth after your appointment, so it’s best to avoid chewing or drinking hot items. It’ll be easier to bite down too hard on your tooth or burn yourself if you can’t feel your mouth.

Once the anesthesia wears off, you may feel a little sore. You can take over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication as directed to relieve some discomfort! Other than that, be sure to drink plenty of water and take the rest of the day to yourself! Put on your favorite show or movie and relax so your body can focus on healing.

The Next Few Days After a Root Canal

It can take less than a week to recover from a root canal. Some people may return to work the next day, but it just depends on how you are feeling. You can always ask your dentist about when you can return to your normal routine.

In the meantime, you may notice that the tenderness lessens as each day passes. It should subside after a few days, but here are some tips to help the process go smoother:

• Eat softer foods for the first few days. Mashed potatoes, pasta, and yogurt are tasty options!
• When chewing, avoid doing so on your treated tooth.
• Brush your teeth gently and use an antibacterial mouthwash to get rid of germs.
• Make sure to take any prescribed medication as instructed by your dentist.

If you have worsening pain or notice signs of infection, like swelling or fever, three days after your root canal, it’s important to reach out to your dentist! They can help make sure that everything is healing well.

Schedule a Follow-up Visit With Your Dentist

At the end of your root canal, your dentist fills your tooth to reinforce it. This is part of the fix, but you need to give it the bite force it used to have! A restoration called a dental crown can do just that. It helps protect your tooth while being functional. Since the crown is custom-made for your tooth, you’ll return to your dentist’s office a week or two after your root canal to have it placed.

When it’s time for a root canal, there is no need to be nervous about it! After a quick treatment and easy recovery, you’ll be enjoying a pain-free smile. If you have any more questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call your dentist, and they’ll be happy to help.

About the Practice

At Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry, we have been serving the Lynchburg community for over 40 years! With our skilled team of dentists, we work to ensure your mouth is free from any oral health issues. We offer a wide variety of services to do just that, including root canal therapy. We use the latest dental technology, making treatments like these easier and more comfortable. If you have a nagging toothache, schedule an appointment or call us at (434) 847-5331.