How Long Does It Take To Recover Following Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a procedure to treat infections inside a tooth. It involves accessing the tooth’s root canals and clearing infected or dead tissues. Therefore, it takes some time to recover after root canal therapy. Continue reading to learn how long it takes to recover and how you can speed up the recovery process.
How Long Will It Take To Heal Following Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal procedure is pain-free and straightforward. However, after the treatment, you will have soreness and pain in the operated tooth. These symptoms occur due to several reasons. An example is the cleaning performed inside the tooth and the placement of a new crown. Keeping your mouth open for the duration of the treatment also causes pain around the jaws.
Fortunately, these side effects do not last long. You can resume work, school, and other regular activities the day after the root canal procedure. However, you may need an extra day to recover, depending on the sedative the dentist uses or your immunity.
Recovering from root canal treatment by a dentist in Coquitlam, BC, usually takes less than a week. However, people with poor immunity may not fully recover until the second week. Once the effects of the anesthesia fade, you will experience irritation or soreness. These symptoms may last for the first 24 to 48 hours but can be eased by appropriate aftercare methods.
Aftercare Tips for Quick Recovery After Rct
The endodontist in Coquitlam, BC, recommends specific aftercare tips after the procedure. If you follow them, they can help ease any discomfort after a root canal and quicken healing. Some of the common ones are highlighted below.
- Your dentist will provide personalized instructions to hasten your recovery and prevent complications. Follow them carefully to heal within the expected recovery timeframe.
- Avoid chewing hard foods until the tooth heals fully to prevent pain and soreness. Do not take excessively sweet or acidic things for the first few days to avoid re-infection.
- Use the side of the jaw opposite the treated one while chewing to prevent excess pain.
- Take over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain and soreness.
- Elevate your head while lying down. It reduces or prevents soreness and swelling around your mouth.
- Apply a cold compress on the cheek near the operated site to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Gargle with warm saline water to remove food debris and prevent infections.
- Maintain proper oral hygiene to avoid infections that will inhibit recovery. Keep the tooth and surrounding area clean. Brush and floss as usual, and use an antibacterial mouthwash frequently. However, brush the treated tooth gently to prevent pain and crown displacement.
- Avoid things that can cause inflammation since they lengthen the recovery period. These include hot, spicy, and acidic foods and beverages. Also, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as they can cause re-infection.
Signs of Recovery Problems After Root Canal Treatment
Similar to other treatments, it is possible to have complications after a root canal. These complications can occur during the recovery period lengthening the recovery time. In addition, they cause increased pain and discomfort.
Therefore, you should visit the nearby dentist immediately after you notice them. Below are some signs and symptoms to look out for after root canal treatment.
- Severe pain and sensitivity for several days
- An uncomfortable and uneven bite
- Signs of infection like pain, fever, swelling, abscess, and pus.
- Persistent visible swelling even after two days
- Experiencing symptoms similar to the previous ones before treatment, such as tooth pain
- The temporary crown or filling comes out
- Itching, hives, or a rash in your body indicates an allergic reaction
- Numbness a day or more after the procedure
Conclusion
Do you have a toothache, sensitivity, swelling, fever, and bad breath? Then you may have a tooth infection. You should visit a dentist in Coquitlam, BC, for an examination and diagnosis. The expert will evaluate your mouth to determine the best course of treatment.
Next, the dentist will expertly and painlessly perform a root canal procedure. Afterwards, they will tell you what to expect during the recovery period. In addition, the dental team will guide you through the recovery process, ensuring you heal fast without complications. Contact our endodontist at Tri-Cities Dental Specialist to book an appointment.