How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?

Root canal surgery has become one of the most common dental procedures performed worldwide, and many people have to undergo the treatment at some point in their lives. Your dentist may recommend root canal therapy when the patient has severe tooth pain, and their tooth section and dental pulp become exposed to bacteria either due to cavities or injury. 

Here is what you need to know before you undergo a root canal procedure:

Root Canal 

Root canal treatment involves a sequence of procedures performed to eliminate decay and infection from the infected pulp of a tooth and protect it from any future microbial invasion.

What To Expect After A Root Canal

During a root canal procedure, the endodontist deep cleans the patient's tooth, leaving the mouth with a feeling of tenderness soon after the procedure. The patient will experience a little pain, and it is absolutely normal. Our endodontist will use pain-relieving measures to make the patient comfortable during the procedure and to ensure quicker recovery afterward. 

The patient may also have a feeling of numbness from the lingering anesthetic. Once it wears off, they are likely to experience some pain, and their jaw may feel sore from keeping it open wide during the procedure. To manage this, the endodontist will prescribe some medications that will help relieve the pain and discomfort.

Most patients need just 1-2 days for the pain to subside and to recover from a root canal. Any pain that extends for long can indicate a problem. 

Managing Your Tooth After A Root Canal

Once the root canal procedure is over, you need to concentrate on a speedy recovery. Here are some tips for you to quicken the healing process:

• Get a prescription for pain medication:The pain reliever suggested by your endodontist can help relieve pain in the initial days. 
• Avoid chewing and crushing hard foods: Until the area of the root canal heals completely, do not chew on this side. 
• Keep up with proper oral hygiene:Never compromise on your oral hygiene to avoid the need for similar procedures on other teeth in the future. 
• Keep in touch with your dentist:If you experience severe pain or feel like your recovery is taking too long, inform your dentist.

When Should A Patient Contact The Endodontist?

It is recommended to speak to the endodontist if you experience the following after a root canal:

• Your bite feels uncomfortable and painful
• The swelling does not decrease even after a few days
• The temporary filling falls out
• You start experiencing the same symptoms of swelling or pain in the gums as before the root canal procedure

To learn more about the root canal treatments at Tanega Dental, call us at (650) 794-0203 and book an appointment with the Dentist in San Francisco CA.