How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Root Canal?

Do you think you might need a root canal in Sarasota? If you’re experiencing a lot of throbbing pain, then you’re likely right.

When a tooth is badly infected and you can’t manage the pain at home with anything you try, then the dentist will likely need to perform a root canal procedure and remove all the infected tissue in order to heal the tooth.

And although it is a rather common procedure, many people are still very anxious about them. The number 1 question patients often have about root canals is how long it’ll take them to heal after it.

Keep reading this short blog post to find the answer!

Root Canal Healing Timeline

The good news is that it won’t take long for you to heal after a root canal procedure. Most patients only need around 2-3 days to recover.

You can likely still feel sore, and even a little bit of pain in the first 1-2 days after the procedure, but this is perfectly normal. Remember, in order to treat the tooth the dentist had to remove all the infected tissue, meaning clean out the tooth’s pulp and even root areas. This is why root canals are considered a rather major dental procedure, so a bit of soreness right after is to be expected.

Your dentist should provide you with some tips on how to manage your symptoms at home, such as:

• Resting
• Taking OTC pain medication
• Applying a cold compress to your cheek
• Keeping up with your oral hygiene routine, etc.

It’s important to carefully monitor your progress, and reach out to the dentist right away if your symptoms appear to be getting worse. Usually, the degree of pain or soreness should lower as time goes on.

But, if you experience any of the following a few days after the procedure, reach out to the dentist right away:

• Stabbing pain when you bit and chew
• Swelling that doesn’t go away
• Losing the temporary filling
• Pain that can’t be managed with medication
• Fever, etc.

How to Care for Your Tooth After a Root Canal

Following a root canal, you’ll need to make some minor modifications to allow the site to properly heal:

• Eat on the other side of your mouth until the dental crown is placed;

• Opt for foods that don’t require lots of chewing for the first days;

• Take it easy and avoid physically challenging activities right after your procedure, etc.

Apart from this, you’ll also need to make sure you stay on top of your oral hygiene and properly clean your mouth after every meal.

Dealing with a Bad Toothache? We Can Help!

If you think you might need a root canal, Sarasota dentist Dr. Robert Miller is here to relieve your pain and treat your infected tooth.

Book an appointment at Sarasota Bay Dental online, or call our office at (941) 200-3723 today!