Recovery After Root Canal Therapy: What to Expect and How to Care for Your Tooth

If you’ve been told you need a root canal, you might be concerned about the procedure. Root canals have a bad reputation, but today’s root canals are no more uncomfortable than getting a cavity filled.

Root canal therapy has the potential to save your natural tooth and, therefore, help you avoid an extraction. When you’re preparing for the procedure and the recovery time, it’s important to know what to expect.

Here’s what to consider when recovering from a root canal and how to take the best care of your tooth for a successful healing process and a healthy smile.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that treats infection or damage within the pulp of a tooth. Millions of teeth are saved every year through root canal therapy, allowing patients to keep their natural teeth and avoid more extensive dental work.

The pulp of the tooth contains nerves and blood vessels that keep it alive, and when it becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause significant pain and tooth discoloration. However, it is possible to have damaged pulp with no symptoms.

Root canals may be necessary when:

• There is a crack that extends to the center of the tooth
• Tooth decay has affected the pulp, and a traditional filling won’t fix the problem
• The tooth has experienced an impact or trauma that has caused the pulp to die
• The tooth has a gray, blue, or black appearance from the affected tissue inside the tooth

Root canal therapy involves removing the infected or dead pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing the tooth with a biocompatible material to prevent further issues, allowing patients to keep their natural teeth without the need for a replacement.

Some patients will also need a dental crown placed on the end of their tooth after the procedure to protect its integrity and ensure a strong, healthy smile.

What to Expect After a Root Canal Procedure

The First 24 Hours: Immediate Recovery

After your root canal, the initial 24 hours may be the most uncomfortable. The anesthesia will wear off, and your mouth will feel less numb and more sensitive.

Fortunately, most patients are able to relieve this discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Always follow your dentist’s instructions on dosage.

Subsequent Days: What to Expect

• Days 1-3: You may experience tenderness in the treated area, along with swelling. Using ice packs can help reduce swelling if needed.
• Days 4-7: Any pain should start to subside, although it’s normal to feel some sensitivity for a week or so after your procedure.
• Days 7-10: Most patients can return to their usual activities without discomfort. However, if you notice any persistent or increasing pain, contact your dentist.

What to Do If You Experience Prolonged Sensitivity

Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for several weeks after a successful root canal. This is normal and typically goes away over time. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help manage this discomfort. If sensitivity persists beyond a few weeks or becomes severe, contact your dentist, as this could indicate an issue with the root canal seal or restoration that needs attention.

Signs of Complications

While root canals have a high success rate, it’s important to know the symptoms that could mean something is wrong. Watch out for:

• Severe or worsening pain
• Swelling that doesn’t decrease after a few days
• Fever or chills
• Discharge from the surgical site
• A bad taste in your mouth or chronic bad breath

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

How to Care for Your Tooth After a Root Canal

Proper care of your tooth and oral hygiene is crucial for ensuring a successful recovery after root canal therapy. After your procedure, it’s essential to:

Maintain Oral Hygiene

Continue to brush your teeth as you normally would, but be gentle around the treated area. Floss daily, taking care not to disturb the healing site. Your dentist may suggest further oral hygiene adjustments to ensure proper healing after your root canal.

Adjust Your Diet

In the days following your root canal, it’s important to avoid:

• Hard or crunchy foods
• Sticky sweets
• Foods with harsh angles or textures, such as tortilla chips
• Spicy foods

Instead, focus on soft foods, like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, and smoothies. It’s also important to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, and avoid chewing on the treated side to minimize discomfort.

Avoid Strenuous Exercise

During the first day, it’s essential to rest. While you may feel up to doing some light activity on the second day, we generally recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for at least two to three days after your procedure. Give your body time to heal and feel better!

Limit Alcohol and Tobacco

Limit alcohol and tobacco use while recovering from your root canal. Both of these substances can hinder the healing process and result in complications. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, and vaping for several days after your procedure, if possible.

Keep Your Follow-Up Appointment

Your dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to assess the healing process and, if necessary, place a crown on your tooth. This follow-up appointment is crucial as it allows your dentist to ensure everything is healing as intended and that there are no complications, so don’t skip this important step.

Keeping Your Treated Tooth Healthy for Life

• Regular dental checkups. Schedule examinations every six months to monitor the treated tooth and your overall oral health.
• Professional cleanings. Routine dental cleanings help prevent plaque buildup that could compromise your restoration.
• Consider a mouthguard. If you grind or clench your teeth, also known as bruxism, your dentist might recommend a nightguard, a special type of mouthguard, to protect your restored tooth from excessive pressure, especially since bruxism can damage dental crowns and other restorations.

Book Your Root Canal Procedure With Saunders DDS

If you’ve been told you need a root canal or suspect you need one, don’t postpone the procedure. Saunders DDS is here to make your root canal procedure as comfortable as possible so you can keep your natural tooth. Contact us today at (828) 277-6060 to book your consultation or request an appointment online.