Root Canal Recovery: What to Expect Following Your Procedure

Like many other patients, you might feel anxiety, stress, and worry simply hearing the words “root canal.” Although this procedure continues to be feared, it’s completely painless thanks to powerful numbing agents. But what about the recovery period? What happens after you return home? Read on to learn what you can expect after getting a root canal!

Immediately After Your Root Canal

When you leave our office, the numbing agent will still be in full effect, so you won’t feel anything for the next several hours. During this time, it’s important not to eat anything or drink hot coffee, tea, or water. Once you start to regain sensation, sensitivity and soreness are to be expected. Fortunately, this is only temporary, and taking OTC pain medication will help you stay comfortable in the meantime.

A Few Days After Your Root Canal

In the days following your root canal, it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided, like:

• Eating soft foods, like plain yogurt and oatmeal
• Not chewing on that side of your mouth
• Carefully brushing and flossing your teeth
• Taking OTC pain medication as directed
• Rinsing periodically with warm saltwater

By the three-day mark, your symptoms should be considerably better, if not completely gone.

Once You’ve Healed From Your Root Canal

After your mouth has healed and your restoration is securely in place, it’s important not to let your oral hygiene regimen slip. In other words, it’s of the utmost importance that you brush twice a day, floss each night before bed, and rinse your mouth for 30-60 seconds consistently. It’s also crucial that you don’t use your teeth as tools, that you wear a mouthguard during sports, and that you break any existing habits that could lead to serious dental damage, like smoking.

What If Abnormal Dental Symptoms Arise?

Although root canals have an extremely high success rate, unforeseen complications can happen. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for abnormal dental symptoms, like swollen gums or pain when biting down. If you find yourself in this situation, then call your dentist ASAP to schedule a follow-up appointment. That way, they can learn about your symptoms, conduct a visual exam, and determine if further care is needed.

About the Practice

Our top-rated dental team at Skillman Family Dentistry knows just how real dental-related anxiety is. That’s why we go above and beyond to make each experience at our office positive – from answering our patient’s questions to offering Saturday appointments and sedation dentistry. If you would like to learn more about root canals or you’re ready to get your next visit on the calendar, get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (469) 998-9822.