Recovering from Root Canal Therapy: What to Expect & More

Root canal therapy has gained an unfair reputation as a very painful procedure. But if you’ve had one and survived, you probably realized it’s nowhere near as bad as you thought! So, now that it’s over, what comes next? What will the recovery period be like? Let’s break it down and set some expectations.

Some Tenderness is Normal

It’s common for the treated tooth and surrounding tissues to feel tender for a few days after a root canal. You may notice discomfort when biting or chewing, particularly if the tooth was significantly inflamed or infected before treatment.

Your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if appropriate for you. Follow your dentist’s instructions and medication labels carefully, and contact your dental office if pain is severe or continues to worsen rather than improve.

Be Careful with Your Treated Tooth

Immediately following root canal therapy, your tooth may have a temporary filling or restoration while you wait for a permanent crown or other restoration. Until your dentist tells you the tooth is fully restored, avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on that side of your mouth.

A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can be more susceptible to fracture, particularly when it has lost significant tooth structure. Protecting it during the period between procedures is therefore important.

Continue Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Having a root canal doesn’t mean you should stop brushing or flossing around the treated tooth. Continue your normal oral hygiene routine unless your dentist provides different instructions.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily. Keeping the area clean helps support the health of your gums and surrounding teeth.

Attend Your Follow-Up Appointment

In many cases, root canal therapy isn’t the final step in restoring the tooth. Your dentist may recommend a crown or another permanent restoration to protect the tooth and restore its function.

Don’t skip your follow-up appointment, even if the tooth feels completely normal. Completing the recommended restoration is an essential step in protecting your treated tooth for the long term.

Not All Pain is Normal

Some mild tenderness is expected, but certain symptoms warrant a call to your dental office. Contact your dentist if you develop severe or worsening pain, significant swelling, an uneven bite, or other symptoms that concern you.

If you find you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or experience rapid facial swelling, skip the dentist and find the nearest emergency room.

Recovery from root canal therapy is usually manageable, particularly when you follow your dentist’s instructions. Give your tooth time to recover, take medications as directed, maintain good oral hygiene, and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the treated tooth until your permanent restoration is complete.

About the Practice

We completely understand a patient’s hesitation to receive a root canal! But we can assure you that our teams at both of our Dentistry of Wisconsin will handle your procedure with compassion and warmth and will minimize any discomfort to the lowest levels possible, thanks to our modern technology and anesthesia techniques. For more information or to book an appointment, head to our website or call one of our conveniently located offices in your area.