How Long Is Root Canal Recovery?

Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures in the US. They are used to treat infected or damaged teeth and restore your oral health. 

Although root canals have a reputation for being a painful procedure, the reality is that thanks to modern dentistry it's actually a relatively quick and painless experience for most patients. However, many patients are still concerned about the recovery time after a root canal. 

So, here's how long it might take you to recover after a root canal and what you can do to speed up the process. 

How Does a Root Canal Work?

As we said, a root canal is usually recommended when you are dealing with a damaged or infected tooth. The dentist will make a small hole in the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Then, they will remove the infected tissue and clean and disinfect the area to prevent any further infection. Finally, they will fill the pulp chamber and root canals with a special material to restore the structural integrity of the tooth. If the hole is too large, the dentist will add a crown to give your tooth its regular appearance and functions back. 

Although all this may sound like an invasive procedure, you won't feel anything during root canal therapy. The dentist will numb the area and even use sedation to make the entire experience pain and stress-free. 

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

The recovery time after a root canal depends on several factors, such as: 

• The severity of the infection
• The number of teeth treated
• Your oral and overall health.

In most cases, you can expect to experience some level of discomfort and sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. You may notice some swelling too, but all of this is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. 

All the discomfort should subside in about a week after the root canal. However, you can expect a longer healing period if you had a more severe infection or if you had multiple teeth treated. 

How to Speed Up Recovery After a Root Canal

Here's what you can do to speed up the recovery process and minimize any discomfort or sensitivity.

• Avoid Hard or Crunchy Foods: Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods for a few days after the root canal. 

• Manage Your Pain: If the pain is affecting your regular activities, you can manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers. 

• Use Ice: Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and discomfort.

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth every day to prevent any further infection.

• Follow Your Dentist's Instructions: Get some rest, take it easy, for a few days, and follow your Bluffton dentist's post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.

Are You In Pain? Call Us Now! 

If you are dealing with a severe toothache that won't go away with OTC medication, you may need to see a dentist right away. At Buckwalter Dental Care, we offer emergency dentistry services and can see you immediately for a consultation and root canal treatment. 

Call us at (843) 815-3232, tell us about your problem, and we can guide you. For regular appointments, you can always send us a message online.