Rest assured; you won’t feel any pain during the root canal procedure because your mouth will be completely numb. But what about afterward? Are soreness, sensitivity, and discomfort normal? How long does it take to fully recover? Below, you’ll learn what to expect immediately after, a few days after, and a week after getting a root canal. So, read on!
What to Expect Immediately After Root Canal Treatment
Usually, it takes a few hours for the numbing agent to wear off. During that time, you shouldn’t eat anything since there’s a good chance that you will accidentally bite down hard on your tongue, cheek, or lips without realizing it. Even once you regain full sensation, you should exercise caution, especially with hot/cold foods and beverages. The best thing to do is stick to extremely soft foods, like plain yogurt, take OTC pain medication as directed, and focus on getting lots of rest.
What to Expect a Few Days After Root Canal Treatment
In the days following your root canal treatment, it’s important that you follow the aftercare instructions you were given, including taking OTC pain medication as directed, avoiding crunchy foods, not chewing on that side of your mouth, and rinsing periodically with warm saltwater. If you have any questions – whether it’s about what to eat or how to brush your teeth – don’t hesitate to reach out to your endodontist.
What to Expect a Week After Root Canal Treatment
Usually, the discomfort subsides around the 3-day mark. If your symptoms persist past that or seem to be getting worse instead of better, contact your endodontist right away. That way, they can schedule a time for you to come in for an exam, and they can determine if an infection is the root of the problem.
Outside of that, make sure you adopt healthy habits to protect your teeth and gums from harm moving forward. A few examples include brushing for two minutes each morning and evening, wearing a mouthguard when you play sports, and scheduling a dental checkup and teeth cleaning biannually.
About the Practice
Our team at Worcester Endodontics understands that many patients feel anxiety over just the words “root canal.” That’s why our board-certified endodontists go above and beyond to make each patient’s experience positive. We use the latest dental technology, we welcome dental insurance, and we offer sedation dentistry for those who need a little extra help staying calm in the treatment chair. If you have any questions for us about the healing process or you’d like to schedule an appointment, then visit our website or call (508) 755-3636.