Root Canal Recovery 101: What to Expect and How to Heal

If you’ve recently made it through a root canal—congratulations! With the procedure behind you, you can look ahead to the future, but what happens next? Many patients are unsure of what to expect after their treatment, and it’s natural to have questions. If you want to learn how to make your recovery a faster, smoother experience, continue reading. You’ll learn what to do so you can focus on healing and getting back to your normal routine.

Immediate Aftermath

Right after your root canal, it’s common to feel some numbness in the treated area because of the local anesthesia. Don’t worry, it should wear off within a few hours. In the meantime, try to look over your dentist’s care instructions and be careful eating until the anesthetic wears off. Otherwise, you could burn or bite your lips and cheeks.

Managing Soreness

It’s not unusual for the area around a treated tooth to feel a bit tender for a few days. Thankfully, it should gradually subside as your body heals. If the pain persists or worsens, though, it’s best to reach out to your dentist to make sure everything is healing as it should.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage any discomfort until you see your dentist. Just be sure to follow their instructions and avoid any activities that could disturb the treated area, like chewing on hard foods.

Dealing with Your Diet

So, what’s safe to eat and drink after your root canal? Soft foods are your best bet for the first few days. Think yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups—anything that doesn’t require a lot of chewing.

Also, try to avoid extremely hot or cold foods, as your tooth may be sensitive to temperature changes. Biting down directly on the treated tooth could be painful until you heal. So, try to do most of your chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. Once you’ve fully healed, you can return to your normal eating habits with confidence.

Signs to Watch For

While most root canals go smoothly, it’s important to be aware of any unusual symptoms that might indicate a problem. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection such as fever or pus around the treated tooth, call your dentist immediately! These could be signs that the tooth is not healing properly and might require further treatment.

A root canal doesn’t have to be a scary experience. By knowing what to expect and taking care of your teeth, you’ll be back to your normal routine in no time. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. They’re there to help you have a pleasant root canal experience from beginning to end!

About the Author

Dr. Bradford Plasha is a dedicated dentist with a degree from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Even after his studies ended there, he continues to push his boundaries, learning all he can about the latest and greatest dental technology to better serve his patients. Call (484) 854-6900 to schedule a consultation at The Dental Spot of Collegeville or visit our website to learn more about what we do and the treatments we offer.