What to Expect When Recovering From a Root Canal
A root canal is an important dental procedure that can save a decayed tooth and prevent further infection. It’s also a common procedure; millions of people in the United States undergo root canal treatment each year. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after your root canal can help you prepare for the process and ensure a smooth recovery.
The Length of Recovery Time After Root Canal Treatment
How long it takes to recover from a root canal depends on several factors, including the complexity of the treatment, your overall health, and how quickly your body heals. On average, most patients feel back to normal within about three days. However, it’s not uncommon for some soreness or tenderness to remain for up to two weeks after the procedure. In some cases, your dentist may recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed.
Tips For Recovering Quickly After Your Root Canal
To ensure a speedy recovery after your root canal, follow these tips:
- Get plenty of rest: Getting adequate rest following your procedure will allow your body time to heal properly. Be sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night until you start feeling better.
- Take care when brushing and flossing: Because the area around your treated tooth is still sensitive for several days after the procedure, be sure to brush and floss gently until your gums are fully healed. Avoid using mouthwash with alcohol during this time as well since it can irritate the gums further.
- Avoid hard foods: Eating soft foods like soup or yogurt is important for allowing your tooth enough time to heal properly without putting too much pressure on it. Harder foods like chips or nuts should be avoided during this time since they can cause discomfort or damage the treated area of your tooth.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep saliva flowing in order to flush away bacteria that may enter into the treated area of your tooth while it heals. Staying hydrated will also help flush away any food particles that may become lodged in between teeth while eating softer foods.
Conclusion
Recovering from a root canal doesn’t have to be painful or uncomfortable, it just requires knowing what steps you need to take in order for everything to go smoothly and get back on track as soon as possible!
Following these tips will help ensure that you experience minimal discomfort while giving yourself enough time for proper healing so that you can enjoy all the benefits of having healthy teeth again!
