Root Canal Recovery
Let’s clear the air: the idea of a root canal sounds a lot scarier than it actually is. In reality, it’s one of the most effective ways to relieve pain, save a natural tooth, and prevent further complications. And the good news? Once the procedure is done, most patients feel immediate relief.
But like any dental procedure, there’s a healing process involved. At Gentle Family Dentistry, we want to make sure you know exactly what to expect during your root canal recovery in Augusta ME, Madison ME, and Winslow ME, so you can heal quickly, comfortably, and confidently.
How You’ll Feel Right After A Root Canal
Root canals have been denoted as a painful and all-around unpleasant dental procedure for years. Dental patients often quiver when just hearing the words root canal, yet the procedure is not nearly as painful and invasive as many believe it to be. Historically, root canals were a major undertaking and left patients in severe pain. But fantastic advances in modern dentistry have made these procedures much easier and relatively painless.
The root canal itself is typically painless thanks to local anesthesia. However, it's normal to feel some tenderness or sensitivity around the treated area for a few days afterward. This happens because we’ve worked near sensitive tissues, and your body is simply adjusting.
Here’s what’s normal post-treatment:
- Mild soreness when chewing
- Slight swelling or inflammation
- Minor jaw stiffness (especially if your mouth was open for a while)
- General fatigue or sensitivity
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen usually do the trick to manage any discomfort.
Steps of a Root Canal
Many patients find themselves anxious or uncertain when entering their root canal appointment. A great way to undo some of this stress is by learning more about the process itself and knowing exactly what to expect when dentists begin their root canal procedures. Below are the steps of the root canal process:
Step 1: Initial X-rays
- All teeth will be sealed after a root canal, but some patients may be required to wait about a week to return for a sealing appointment. This is based on the severity of the infection and damage and whether medication is needed to clear infections. This process will either take place immediately after the tooth has been cleaned or approximately a week later. Even if you are asked to return back to have the tooth sealed, dentists will still place a temporary filling in the tooth in the meantime.
Step 2: Numbing/Anesthesia
- As stated earlier, patients often fear the rumors of pain during a root canal. Luckily, local anesthesia helps numb the area being worked on to the point that the procedure is nearly painless.
Step 3: Dams Are Placed
- A large rubber sheet is placed around the interior of your mouth, only exposing the tooth that is being worked on by dentists.
Step 4: The Tooth Is Cleaned
- Now that the prep work is completed, the procedure will be underway. First off, the tooth will be drilled into creating a small hole to remove materials, including nerve endings and pulp. Afterward, the interior of the tooth will be deeply cleaned and disinfected.
Step 5: The Tooth Is Sealed
- All teeth will be sealed after a root canal, but some patients may be required to wait about a week to return for a sealing appointment. This is based on the severity of the infection and damage and whether medication is needed to clear infections. This process will either take place immediately after the tooth has been cleaned or approximately a week later. Even if you are asked to return back to have the tooth sealed, dentists will still place a temporary filling in the tooth in the meantime.
How Long Does Root Canal Recovery Take?
Most people feel back to normal within 2–5 days. In some cases, especially if the tooth was infected or inflamed before the procedure, it might take a bit longer for full relief.
You’ll likely return for a follow-up visit to place a permanent crown or restoration, which is the final step in protecting your tooth. Until then, we recommend being gentle with the area to allow for proper healing.
Tips For A Smooth And Speedy Root Canal Recovery
Want to bounce back as quickly as possible? Here’s how:
- Be Kind To Your Mouth
Stick to soft foods for the first couple of days. Think soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs—anything that doesn’t require a ton of chewing. - Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
Skip chewing gum, hard candy, or anything crunchy near the treated tooth. You want to avoid putting pressure on the area until your final crown is in place. - Keep Your Mouth Clean
Brush and floss as normal, but do so gently around the treated area. Cleanliness promotes faster healing. - Follow Any Medication Instructions
If we prescribed antibiotics (to fight off infection) or pain relievers, take them exactly as directed. - Rest If You Need To
Your body does its best healing when you’re resting, so listen to it. Take it easy for a day or two if you feel tired or sore.
Watch For These Signs (And Call Us If You Notice Them)
While complications are rare, it’s always good to know what’s not normal. Contact us right away if you experience:
- Severe pain that gets worse over time
- Swelling that doesn’t improve
- A fever
- A bad taste that won’t go away
- Signs that the temporary filling has come out
We’re here for you, even after the procedure. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Will I Need A Crown After A Root Canal?
In most cases, yes. After a root canal, the tooth is clean, but it’s also more fragile. Placing a custom dental crown protects the tooth, restores full function, and prevents future damage.
Root canals have a variety of uses in dentistry, the most common being repairs to a tooth facing severe decay or infection or a serious injury such as a chip or crack to the tooth. Root canals fix these problems and others by removing any inflamed pulp in the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the tooth’s interior, and sealing the removed areas with a filling. These steps can prevent further infections that could lead to serious oral health issues while also protecting the nerves in your gums from discomfort in the future.
Until your permanent crown is placed, be careful with chewing, especially on crunchy, chewy, or hard foods.
Healing Is Easier Than You Think
Even patients with terrific oral hygiene may need a root canal at one point. If you find yourself looking for a dental practice that will keep your comfort and oral health in mind during your root canal procedure, visit Gentle Family Dentistry at one of our three locations in Augusta ME, Madison ME, or Winslow ME! We are currently accepting new patients. Contact us today.
