If you have a root canal scheduled, you might be nervous about the procedure itself. It does have a bad reputation, but your dentist works to make it as easy as possible. In fact, many people compare the experience to getting a dental filling! That said, you will need to recover afterward, and knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared. Here’s a short guide on what typically happens the days following your root canal.
Right After Treatment & During the First Day
You likely won’t feel much immediately after your procedure. Powerful local anesthesia is used to numb your mouth while your dentist works, and it will take several hours to fully go away. That means if you need to eat, be extra careful when chewing and drinking hot things. You may bite down too hard or burn yourself without even realizing.
When the medicine does wear down, your mouth may start to feel sore. This is normal, so you can take pain relievers to manage your discomfort. You should rest for the rest of the day and give your body time to focus on healing.
Over the Next Several Days
Tenderness should go away over the next few days until it stops. A great way to facilitate this process is by following these tips:
- Have a soft food diet to give your smile a break from anything hard, spicy, chewy, or crunchy.
- Eat on the opposite side of your mouth.
- Don’t forget to gently brush and floss to remove harmful bacteria from the area.
- Take any prescribed medication as directed.
If the pain you experience worsens, lingers, or shows signs of infection (such as fever or swelling) after three days, then let your dentist know. They will double-check your grin and make sure everything is going as planned.
Having a Follow-Up Visit
A tooth that got a root canal often needs a crown to restore the function and appearance. This helps ensure you get back your bite and the integrity of your grin stays in great shape. Traditional restorations can take two weeks to complete, but you can get a permanent one in one visit with CEREC technology.
In the end, while you might be nervous about this procedure, your dentist is here to help. It may be easier than you think, so try not to stress. By understanding what you can expect during and after, you can feel confident about getting back your strong smile.
About the Author
Dr. Sienna Palmer earned her dental degree from the Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California. She is dedicated to helping patients in Mission Viejo get stronger smiles by offering a wide range of treatments, including root canals. While you might not be excited about this procedure. Dr. Palmer works to make it as easy as possible with dental sedation and state-of-the-art technology. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call her office at 949-365-0951.