Root canal treatment recovery typically takes 2–4 days. Patients commonly experience some soreness, and following our after-care instructions will help you have a speedy recovery and feel great in no time!
What to Expect after Root Canal Treatment
For an event-free recovery after root canal treatment, follow the recommendations below.
- After your procedure, it's common for the treatment area to remain numb for several hours. We recommend not eating until it wears off to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
- If your endodontist gives you a prescription for antibiotics, have it filled promptly and take the medication as directed.
- Some sensitivity or soreness is common during the first few days after your root canal. Taking OTC pain medications is usually all that is needed to control discomfort. Complications are rare but call us right away if the pain becomes unmanageable.
- Stir a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and rinse, swish, and spit to reduce pain and swelling. Continue to brush and floss as usual.
- Avoid smoking, drinking hot beverages or alcohol, and eating hard or sticky foods. Also, take care not to chew or bite down on the tooth until your dentist places the final crown or filling.
Your general dentist will schedule an appointment with you about two weeks after your procedure. They will then determine whether the tooth needs a final crown or filling to protect it.
If you have questions about your post-treatment recovery, please don’t hesitate to call Curtis Endodontics in Camp Hill, PA.