Welcome Home! Here’s Your Guide to Root Canal Recovery

You’ve had a long day. Besides the normal hustle and bustle, you just got home from your root canal treatment. It might not have been as uncomfortable as you thought it would be, but you were still stressed about it all week. It’s time for some rest and relaxation.

But wait. How do you do that? What will the root canal recovery process even look like?

You deserve the chance to sit back and unwind, so let’s talk about that. We’ll tell you what to expect.

Coming Home to…No Dental Pain?

When you’re finally able to collapse on the couch, you might not notice any discomfort at first. This has less to do with your pain tolerance and more to do with the anesthetic used to numb your treatment area. Even if you feel perfectly fine, it’s important not to indulge in a stress-relieving snack. You could hurt yourself if you try to chew while your mouth is still numb.

When the Local Anesthetic Wears Off

After the anesthetic dulls, that’s when you’ll likely experience soreness. It will fade after a few days, but in the meantime eating and relaxing might be easier said than done!

Give your body time to heal by sticking to soft foods. “Being brave” and testing your tenderness on hard, crunchy snacks will not make your recovery go any faster. You also shouldn’t “shoulder on” through dental pain. There’s no pain tolerance competition, after all! Take pain relievers as necessary, and follow your dentist’s instructions for any antibiotics they might prescribe you. Cold compresses can help with swelling, and elevating your head with an extra pillow can help with sleep.

If Medicine Doesn’t Relieve Your Dental Discomfort…

Then it’s best to call your emergency dentist. Severe or prolonged pain could indicate that something’s not quite right. You could have a serious complication, like infection or dental damage.

That said, root canal treatments are usually successful, so there’s no need to worry ahead of time. If you’re not sure, though, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Plus, your peace of mind is just as important as peace of the body!

The Dental Care Part of “Aftercare”

You’ll still have to keep up with your oral hygiene. Actually, after a root canal, it’s even more vital to brush twice a day and floss once per day. Bacteria accumulation could complicate your recovery and impede healing. You don’t want that, but it’s fine to go through your routine gently. Don’t forget that you and your dentist are a team! They’ll clean up any harmful bacteria you might have missed during your well-deserved rest.

About the Author

Dr. Stephen Wardlaw believes that patient comfort is just as important as treatment results. If you’re struggling with your root canal recovery, don’t hesitate to give him a call. Dr. Wardlaw can offer over-the-phone first aid advice as needed and will do his best to alleviate your discomfort. Should you have a dental emergency, he’s licensed in conscious sedation. That means you can relax and let him do all the work! To contact Dr. Wardlaw, call 817-572-5115.