You had an infected, painful tooth that was causing problems. You went to an endodontist, who disinfected it as part of a procedure called a root canal. Now, you’re in the post-operative recovery phase.

Root canals are one of the more complex dental procedures, so they take more time to heal from than a filling or cleaning. You’ll need to follow your endodontist’s instructions and give yourself time to rest, heal, and recover. If you don’t follow post-operative instructions, it could result in a failed root canal that requires retreatment, or additional days or weeks of pain for you. To help you get the best outcome from your recent procedure, here’s astep-by-step guide to recovering from a root canal.

Keep Numbness in Mind

Your mouth will be numb for a few hours after the procedure. This is because your endodontist uses a local anesthetic to make the process comfortable. During this time, it’s very easy to bite your tongue or the inside of your cheek without realizing it, which can cause painful sores.

To avoid this, abstain from eating until the numbness fully wears off. This usually takes about two to four hours. You can still drink liquids, but be careful not to burn your mouth with anything too hot.

Take It Easy for the First 24 Hours

Rest is a big part of your recovery. For the first day after your root canal, you should avoid any strenuous activity. This means no hitting the gym, going for a run, or doing any heavy lifting around the house.

Strenuous exercise increases your blood flow, which can lead to more bleeding and swelling at the procedure site. Instead, kick back on the couch, catch up on your favorite shows, and let your body heal. You can usually return to your normal routine the next day, but listen to your body and don’t push it.

Manage Your Discomfort

You can expect some tenderness and discomfort once the anesthetic wears off. This is a normal part of the healing process. Your endodontist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage any soreness.

Taking the medication as directed will help you stay comfortable. Some people find that a cold compress applied to the outside of the cheek for 15-minute intervals also helps reduce swelling and discomfort. The initial soreness typically subsides within a few days.

Stick to Soft Foods

Your tooth and the surrounding gum tissue will be sensitive for a while. Chewing hard or crunchy foods can put pressure on the treated tooth and cause pain. For the first few days, stick to a diet of soft foods, like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soup.

As the tenderness fades, you can gradually introduce more solid foods back into your diet. Also, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth to give the treated area a break.

Stay Away From Very Hot or Cold Items

Extreme temperatures can trigger sensitivity in your newly treated tooth. For the first few days, you should steer clear of very hot foods and drinks, like steaming coffee or soup. You should also avoid ice-cold items like ice cream or iced beverages. Room-temperature or lukewarm foods and drinks are safest while you heal.

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean after a root canal is very important for a smooth recovery. Good oral hygiene helps prevent infection and promotes healing. You should continue to brush and floss as you normally would, but be extra gentle around the treated tooth.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent irritation. You should also rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution two to three times a day. This helps keep the area clean and can soothe any gum inflammation.

Protect Your Temporary Filling

After a root canal, your endodontist places a temporary filling or crown on the tooth. This protects it until you can get a permanent restoration from your general dentist. These temporary solutions aren’t as durable as permanent ones.

To protect it, avoid chewing sticky or hard foods like caramel, gum, or nuts on that side of your mouth. Also, when you floss, pull the floss out to the side rather than lifting it straight up, which could dislodge the filling.

Look Out for Warning Signs

Most root canal recoveries are straightforward. Still, you need to be aware of any signs that might point to a complication. If you experience severe pain that doesn’t get better with medication, or if you notice significant swelling inside or outside your mouth, contact your endodontist.

Other signs to watch for include an allergic reaction to medication, the temporary filling coming out, or your bite feeling uneven. Prompt attention to these issues can prevent further problems and get your recovery back on track.

Keep Your Follow-Up Appointment

Your root canal treatment isn’t fully complete until a permanent restoration is placed on the tooth. You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your general dentist to get a permanent crown or filling. It’s very important to keep this appointment.

The temporary filling is just that—temporary. A permanent restoration will protect the tooth from future infection and damage and restore its full function. Skipping this final step can undo all the work of your root canal.

Be Patient With the Healing Process

Recovery from a root canal takes time. While you’ll feel much better after a few days, complete healing of the surrounding tissues can take a week or two. Be patient with your body and allow it the time it needs.

Don’t rush back into your normal eating habits or activities if you’re still feeling discomfort. Listening to your body and following your endodontist’s instructions will help you get the best outcome.

Your Path to Recovery

This step-by-step guide to recovering from a root canal will help you heal quickly and effectively, so you can get back to your life. Most patients begin to feel better after a few days after treatment, and full recovery takes roughly one to two weeks. You’ll feel a little bit of discomfort during recovery, but if you’re in severe pain, or if your recovery is taking longer than a couple of weeks, visit your endodontist for advice.

At Commonwealth Endodontics, we’re root canal specialists with years of experience in the field. If you need a root canal procedure, have had a root canal procedure but need a second opinion on your recovery, or need root canal retreatment, get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team through call, email, or our contact form. We can help answer any questions you have about this procedure and its recovery process.