6 Root Canal Recovery Tips

If your dentist has recommended a root canal procedure for an abscessed tooth, you may be anxious about the procedure and have questions about the recovery process. Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures to treat an infected tooth. Some 15 million root canal treatments are done in the US every year — that’s over 40,000 every day. A root canal can be done in a general dentist or endodontics office. Please keep reading to learn more about root canal recovery.

Why is a root canal needed?

A root canal treatment helps to ease the symptoms of a tooth abscess and prevent infection from spreading to other teeth, gums, and other parts of the body. Your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment to remove infected tissue from a tooth if harmful oral bacteria invade the pulp (inner soft tissue) of the tooth. This can happen if a cavity is left untreated and you have a badly decayed tooth. It can also happen if there are chips or cracks in a tooth that allow bacteria to enter inside the tooth, resulting in infected and inflamed pulp tissue.

Furthermore, root canal treatment may be necessary when a tooth sustains a blow or suffers physical trauma. Such incidents can harm the pulp within, leading to inflammation or infection, even in the absence of any visible external damage to the tooth.

What happens during root canal therapy?

A root canal takes 30-60 minutes to complete and is usually done in 1-2 appointments. Your dentist will start by taking dental X-rays of the infected tooth. This helps determine whether root canal therapy is the appropriate treatment. If you are a good candidate for root canal treatment, it will be done with the following steps:

Local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding gums.
Medications such as nitrous oxide and oral or IV sedatives may be given to reduce dental anxiety and help you relax.
Placement of a dental dam made of rubber to isolate the infected tooth and help keep it dry.
Creation of a small access hole in the crown of the tooth to gain access to the tooth pulp.
Removal of the dental pulp (blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues) from inside the tooth with dental instruments.
Cleaning, disinfection, and shaping of the surfaces inside the empty pulp chamber and root canals.
Filling of the root canals with a dental material called gutta-percha, which is flexible and rubbery in consistency.
Temporary sealing of the tooth with dental filling material to prevent reinfection.
Removal of the temporary filling and placement of the final restoration after 2-3 weeks. This is usually a permanent filling or custom-made permanent crown, inlay or onlay to protect the treated tooth and restore function. Sometimes, crowns can be placed right away after the root canal.

How long does it take to recover from root canal therapy?

The numbness from the local anesthesia will subside a few hours post-procedure, after which it's crucial to avoid chewing on that side until full sensation returns. Patients generally resume normal activities the following day, although they should exercise caution if a temporary filling is in place and avoid hard foods until the tooth is permanently restored—usually within a couple of weeks. Root canal recovery time is usually less than one week. Most people have mild discomfort and sensitivity for a few days during the healing process.

How long will the pain last after a root canal treatment?

Once the infected pulp is removed, most people get immediate relief from the severe tooth pain associated with an abscessed tooth. Some mild pain, discomfort, and soreness are common for 3-5 days or a bit longer following a root canal procedure. Over-the-counter painkillers can be used during this time for pain management and to reduce inflammation. If you have severe pain that does not get better with pain medication or the pain lingers after one week, you should call your dentist.

How much rest do you need after a root canal procedure?

Dentists recommend taking a day or two off from work to rest and recover fully from a root canal procedure. This can help shorten the overall root canal recovery time. Remember, a dental procedure can leave you feeling sore and tired. Getting some rest may help you feel better sooner than if you try to go back to your normal routine immediately. It's also wise to avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after the procedure because increased blood flow can cause more bleeding and swelling in the treated area.

What are some root canal complications?

Root canal procedures are safe and effective and have a 98% success rate. However, complications can arise, including persistent infection due to incomplete removal of bacteria, missed micro-canals during cleaning, or cracks in the tooth that can harbor bacteria. A failed root canal procedure can lead to symptoms such as tooth pain, drainage of pus, discoloration of the infected tooth, swollen gums, tender gums, formation of a pimple on the gums, and sinus problems. If this happens, your dentist may recommend a repeat root canal treatment. Otherwise, the only alternative is to extract (take out) the affected tooth. If the tooth needs to be pulled, your dentist may recommend a dental implant or dental bridge as a replacement.

What should you not do after a root canal?

Do not drive yourself home if you received oral or IV sedation for the root canal procedure. However, you can drive if you have the root canal done with local anesthesia or nitrous oxide.
Do not forget oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss as usual for good oral health. Use an antibacterial mouth rinse if recommended by your dentist.
Do not bite or chew with the treated tooth until the permanent restoration is in place. Try to avoid chewing in the treated area and use your natural teeth on the other side of your mouth instead.
Do not eat hard, crunchy, chewy, or spicy foods for a few days after your endodontic treatment. Eat ice cream, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and other soft foods. Gradually introduce more solid foods as tolerated.
Do not drink hot coffee and other hot beverages for a few days during root canal recovery. Hot drinks can irritate the treated area, and cause increased soreness and pain.
Do not smoke after your root canal therapy. Smoking can delay healing and increase your risk of developing more dental problems in the future.