How Long Does Pain Last, And What’s Recovery Like After Getting a Root Canal?
Quick Answer: After your root canal appointment, the intense discomfort that brought you to our practice should fade. However, you may continue to experience symptoms as your tooth heals, including aches and tenderness when you apply pressure. We will walk you through the typical recovery process, which takes about one week, and share tips to help you stay comfortable.
Some patients feel anxious about endodontics because they have heard our procedures are uncomfortable and have a long recovery period. This misinformation can keep patients from getting timely care, leading them to delay needed procedures and risk further complications.
Today, the root canal procedure is gentle and routine, relieving pain rather than causing it. Most patients recover fully within a week. This guide describes root canal recovery day by day and offers tips to help you stay comfortable.
A Typical Root Canal Recovery Timeline
Day 1:
You will feel numb for the first few hours after your root canal. Try to avoid eating until after the local anesthesia wears off completely to avoid biting your tongue or other delicate oral tissues.
When we clean inside your tooth to remove infection, the ligaments holding it in place may feel slightly sore. A minor ache when you bite down is normal and may last about a week.
Eat a soft diet, choosing foods like scrambled eggs, yogurt, smooth soups, and mashed potatoes. Skipping meals will prolong your recovery, since you need a balanced diet with protein and nutrients to heal. Chew on the other side of your mouth if we placed a temporary restoration, so as to not cause the temporary to become dislodged or leak.
Days 2 and 3:
You may feel the most tenderness on days 2 and 3, but it should improve after this stage. Maintain your soft diet, avoiding anything crunchy, spicy, or with seeds. Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed to ease your symptoms.
Days 4 to 7:
Your tooth will likely feel better every day. You can continue adding your favorite foods back into your diet. Continue to chew on the other side of your mouth until your permanent restoration has been placed to protect and permanently seal your tooth again.
Week 2:
Your tooth should feel mostly normal. Don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your dentist for your permanent restoration. Delaying a permanent restoration past 30 days is often one reason root canals fail.
Home Care Tips to Enhance Your Comfort
- Eat a soft diet as comfort allows, and gradually add firmer foods after the first few days.
- Take pain medication as your doctor recommends
- Brush gently around the temporary crown or filling; brush and floss the rest of your mouth normally
- Chew on the other side of the mouth from where your root canal procedure was performed, until you’ve received your permanent restoration.
Call Us With Concerns
If you experience any new discomfort or symptoms that are not in this guide, we invite you to call us. We can determine whether you need to come in for a quick checkup and make sure everything is progressing normally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
Will I need antibiotics after my root canal?
Most root canal patients do not need antibiotics after the procedure, however, depending on what we see inside the tooth when doing the root canal, we will discuss this on a case-by-case basis.
How quickly do I need to get a permanent restoration like a filling or crown?
Typically, we recommend that you receive your permanent restoration within 30 days of completing the root canal procedure. Your family dentist will complete the procedure after your tooth has healed enough to accept the restoration.
What should I do to care for my temporary crown?
If you have a temporary crown covering your treated tooth, avoid chewing hard, sticky, or starchy foods on that side of your mouth. If your temporary crown pops off, it is usually best to have it replaced quickly, to avoid shifting of the neighboring teeth, and to avoid new bacteria and food particles from leaking into the tooth.
What happens if my symptoms do not improve or worsen after a week?
If your pain feels worse in any way after the third day, call us. We may need to assess your tooth in the office and discover how we can set your recovery back on track.
At Archway Endodontics, we want to give you the best chance of a successful root canal recovery. If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, call us, and we will assist you. Contact us today!
