How to Recover from Your Next Root Canal Like a Champ!

So your dentist told you that you need a root canal. Don’t worry — it’s not the end of the world. A root canal’s reputation is worse than its bite. Thanks to advances in dental science and pain management medications, modern root canals are a piece of cake. There may be some discomfort during the recovery process, but this can be lessened with the right after treatment plan.

Here’s how to take care of yourself and recover from your next root canal like a champ!

When is a Root Canal Treatment Necessary?

A root canal removes a nerve from a tooth in order to repair a tooth that has been damaged from tooth decay, infection, or fracture. It effectively treats decay or infection in the tooth. We remove the nerve and pulp of the tooth, clean out the inside, and seal the tooth — often with a dental crown. If an infected tooth is not treated with a root canal, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and an abscess may form. A root canal is therefore necessary in order to save the tooth itself.

What Your Dentist Does During a Root Canal

The root canal can either be performed by your dentist or an endodontist — a root canal specialist — depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Your dentist will take an X-ray of the tooth in order to see the shape of the root canal and any presence of infection in the surrounding bone. Anesthesia will be applied to numb the area near the tooth. You’ll feel a slight pinch as the anesthesia is applied, but once you are numb you shouldn’t feel any pain. If you do feel discomfort, tell your dentist. He or she can apply more numbing agent so you feel completely comfortable.

Your dentist will apply a dental dam around the tooth so the area stays dry from saliva. Then they will drill an access point into the tooth. Next, we’ll remove the pulp, bacteria, and infected nerve tissue. We’ll use root canal files to completely clean the tooth. Once the cleaning is complete, your dentist will sanitize the area with water or sodium hypochlorite and flush away any debris.

Finally, we’ll seal the tooth. If there is extensive infection, we may place medicine in the seal to kill the infection. Eventually, we’ll place a cap or dental crown over the tooth to protect it from further infection.

How to Recover from a Root Canal Like a Champ

Following the root canal, you’ll experience some swelling and some degree of discomfort. But careful planning can reduce the overall pain you feel and help you recover like a champ.

First, wait until you’re no longer numb before you try to eat anything. Eating with a numb jaw can cause you to bite your cheek or tongue, which means added pain.

Swelling is common after a root canal. Apply an ice pack to help reduce it. If you don’t have an ice pack, a frozen package of veggies will do in a pinch.

Plan your meals carefully for the several days following a root canal. You don’t want to eat anything that requires hard chewing. This can cause pain. Mashed potatoes, soft veggies, soups are just the ticket.

Above all, take it easy on yourself. Yes, your dentist officially gives you permission to take a break. Avoid exercise at least for a few days. Exercising too soon can cause your mouth to bleed again — which will only make you feel achy and worse. As you do get back to exercises, focus on activities that are recommended for recovering after a surgery. Just take everything slow and relaxed for a while. You’ve already got enough on your plate.

Rest up. Sleep as much as possible. This will help the healing process. And be mindful of your pain thresholds. Don’t push it. Remember, it will take a little bit for any pain medication to kick in, so try to plan ahead of time. The more proactive you are at managing pain, the better you’ll feel. Your dentist will likely prescribe you some extra strength pain medication. Don’t be afraid to use it — especially before the pain hits.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take to Heal?

As dentists, we get asked this question a lot: How long does a root canal take to heal?

You may feel some discomfort for a few days — especially if your gums or teeth were infected. This can be managed with pain medication. In most cases, you’ll be able to return to normal activities the day after treatment, but you should still go easy.

What to Look Out for After a Root Canal

There can sometimes be complications following a root canal. You may have an allergic reaction to the medication prescribed by your dentist such as hives or itching. You may experience severe pain that doesn’t go away after several days. Symptoms you had prior to the root canal may come back — this includes extreme sensitivity to the teeth and gums. If you experience any complications, call your dentist.

Can’t Afford a Root Canal? We Can Help

For a modern root canal, the only pain you’ll feel is in your wallet. Root canals can be expensive. And this can throw your budget off guard, especially if it wasn’t planned. But if you don’t think you can afford a root canal, relax. We can work with you. We accept payment plans and can help you find a solution that’s within your budget.

We also accept CareCredit, a line of credit specifically designed for medical emergencies like root canals. If you pay the balance within a certain time frame, you owe no interest. It’s one way of making dental emergencies like root canals more affordable. You deserve quality dental care. Get the treatment you need. Let’s talk!