As you get closer to your root canal treatment, you might only be focused on the procedure itself. While it’s good to understand what happens during it, knowing what to expect afterward can help you feel more prepared. Your mouth will need time to recover, and there are measures you can take to ensure a smooth healing process. To help make sure you’re ready, here is what you can expect in the following days after your root canal treatment.
Immediately After & First Day
During a root canal, your dentist thoroughly numbs your mouth with a powerful local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain. The numbness doesn’t go away immediately once your root canal is completed, so it may persist for a few hours after your appointment. During this time, it’s best to avoid chewing and drinking hot beverages. Since you can’t properly feel your mouth, it’s easy to burn yourself or bite down too hard on your tooth.
Many people experience tenderness and soreness once the anesthesia wears off. Fortunately, over-the-counter medication can help alleviate some discomfort. For the rest of the day, you can just take it easy! It’ll give you time to relax and focus on healing.
Recovery Process Over the Next Few Days
As each day passes, you should notice that the tenderness improves slightly. After a few, it should subside, but here are some measures to help it go smoothly:
- Stick to eating softer foods
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth that didn’t get the treatment
- Brush gently so as not to irritate the affected tooth
- Continue taking medication as prescribed by your dentist
Like with any dental procedure, there can be some complications. If you experience pain that worsens or signs of infection, such as swelling and fever, three days after having a root canal, it’s important to call your dentist. This can help ensure that everything is healing nicely.
Follow-up Visit With Your Dentist
At the end of a root canal, the affected tooth is filled. However, this is only part of the fix. To help give your tooth back some strength after the procedure, a dental crown is needed. This restorative treatment can protect your tooth while also restoring its function!
If you take proper care of your teeth after a root canal, then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about! You can enjoy a stress-free healing process, but if you have any concerns, call your dentist, and they will be happy to answer your questions.
About the Author
Dr. A. Faris Waheed earned his dental degree from the prestigious Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He has continued his education with postgraduate courses focusing on various treatments, including root canal therapy. If you need this dental procedure, Dr. Waheed ensures you are comfortable every step of the way, whether it be numbing, sedation, or simply a calm environment. If you have any questions about root canals or want to alleviate your toothache, schedule an appointment or call us at (850) 890-7990.