We get it: root canals have a scary reputation. But the truth is, a root canal is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. For most patients, root canal recovery is smoother and more manageable than they might expect.
If you are scheduled for a root canal or you’ve just had one, it’s natural to wonder what the recovery process will be like. Knowing what to expect can help ease your anxiety and set you up for a faster, more comfortable healing process.
Ahead, we’ve outlined the recovery timeline for a root canal, covering the first 48 hours and the following days and weeks, so you have a better idea of how to prepare.
What to Expect Right After Your Root Canal (First 24-48 Hours)
You’re most likely to notice some mild discomfort in the first couple of days after your root canal. That’s normal and part of the healing process, but the discomfort should be manageable.
You may experience:
- Soreness or sensitivity in the area around the treated tooth
- Jaw stiffness from having your mouth open during the procedure
- Lingering numbness in your mouth after the appointment
- Mild swelling and tenderness, especially around the treated area
- Discomfort when biting or chewing
To help manage these symptoms, you can:
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (follow dosage instructions)
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth
Keep up with your regular dental hygiene routine, but brush and floss carefully. You can avoid the treated area while it’s sore, but you don’t want to neglect the rest of your teeth.
Most patients find that their symptoms improve significantly within the first 48 hours. During this time, make sure you get plenty of rest. Your body heals better when you aren’t stressed or overtired.
Day Three and Beyond: Healing Progress
By day three, you should notice your mouth feeling more like normal. The tenderness should be decreasing, and it may already be easier to eat and speak without discomfort.
Don’t be alarmed if you still feel a little sore, though, especially if you bite down on the treated tooth. We recommend avoiding hard or crunchy foods until your dentist has told you it’s safe to eat them again.
Everyone heals at their own pace, but most people feel back to normal within a week. However, you’ll want to watch for signs or symptoms that something isn’t quite right.
Contact your dentist right away if:
- Your pain is getting worse instead of better
- You have swelling that increases or doesn’t go away
- You develop a fever or have a bad taste in your mouth
- Your temporary filling or crown comes loose
Long-Term Care After a Root Canal
A root canal saves your natural teeth by removing infected tissue inside the root. But once that’s done, the tooth still needs some help to stay strong.
In most cases, your dentist will recommend placing a crown over the treated tooth to protect it from future damage. Until your permanent crown is in place, be gentle with your tooth and avoid chewing anything sticky, hard, or crunchy.
To protect your smile, you should continue flossing and brushing daily. You should also attend all of your follow-up appointments and visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Get Gentle, Expert Care for Root Canal Recovery
Root canal recovery doesn’t have to be scary or stressful. With a little care, you can manage discomfort and get back to your normal routine quickly.
At Full Heart Dentistry, we’re committed to making your root canal experience as comfortable and positive as possible. We’ll be there to support you from the moment you walk in for your procedure until your final follow-up appointment. Our compassionate dental team is here for you every step of the way, providing expert care to make your recovery as smooth and painless as possible.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or think you might need a root canal, call us today (585-209-5586). Our gentle, personalized dentistry can help put a smile back on your face.