A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected or inflamed root or pulp of a tooth. According to data from the American Association of Endodontists, more than 15 million root canals are performed each year. 

If you need a root canal, it's important to understand what the process entails, how long it takes, and how to recover.

Before you contact a dentist in Macedonia Ohio, read on to learn more about what to expect from the root canal recovery process.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a specific dental procedure to help relieve pain caused by an abscessed or infected tooth. Your dentist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp, also called soft tissue. This tissue is removed all the way down to the root of the tooth.

The surfaces inside the tooth are cleaned and disinfected, and a filling or crown is added to seal or cover the empty space to protect it. Most patients require a root canal procedure when a cavity becomes infected or abscessed after being untreated for a period of time. You may also require a root canal if you have a cracked or damaged tooth that is vulnerable to infection.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

A root canal procedure usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes, on average. The length of time it takes to complete the procedure often depends on the severity of the tooth infection.

In some cases, you may need to return for a second appointment with your dentist in Macedonia Ohio to complete the root canal. Larger teeth with multiple roots could take up to an hour and a half or longer in rare cases.

What to Expect After a Root Canal

Knowing what to expect afterward is an important part of the root canal recovery process. Since the source of infection is removed, most patients get immediate relief directly after the procedure is completed.

You should not experience pain afterward, so symptoms like severe or throbbing pain may indicate that there was a problem with the root canal. In most cases, you should only experience very mild sensitivity for the first few days afterward. This happens because the numbing solution starts to wear off, but it shouldn't result in any pain. 

Sensitivity is completely normal and can easily be managed with some over-the-counter pain relievers. Any side effects should be completely gone within one to two weeks. Most people experience no pain or tingling whatsoever after a root canal. 

If you do happen to experience severe pain or swelling, an uneven bite, or if any of your pre-procedure symptoms return, contact your dentist right away. This may indicate that you still have some pulp remaining or that an infection is present. 

The Root Canal Recovery Process

Once the root canal procedure is over, recovery time typically takes less than a week. You might experience a little bit of mild discomfort for a few days.

You may eat after a root canal, but it's recommended that you wait until the numbness wears off. Anesthesia effects usually only last a few hours, and then you can resume eating.

Make sure that you only eat softer foods like mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt, or pasta during the root canal recovery process. Do this for a few days, then you may reintroduce solid foods back into your diet. Avoid biting or chewing with the treated tooth and try to chew on the other side of your mouth until the crown or filling is added during your follow-up appointment.

If you had local anesthesia, you should be allowed to drive home after your appointment. However, if you have oral or IV sedation, you'll need to ask a friend or family member to drive you home. 

Smoking is bad for your overall and dental health, and it's not recommended after a root canal. When you smoke, it interferes with the healing process and may also increase the odds of needing more dental work later. 

More Recovery Tips

In most cases, you can go back to school or work the next day after your root canal. But if you opted for full sedation, you might need to wait another day or two to complete the root canal recovery process before you return.

Make sure that you keep the treatment area clean, and brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the area. Use an antibacterial mouthwash after you brush and floss to help keep your mouth clean and germ-free.

Patients with a temporary filling should avoid chewing gum and eating with the treated tooth until a permanent crown is added. Pay close attention to how you're feeling and remember to contact your dentist if you notice any issues like swelling, redness, or increased pain. 

Root canals are an excellent alternative to tooth removal. Once the procedure is finished, you should continue to enjoy a pain-free tooth for years into the future. Just make sure that you finish the treatment by getting the proper crown placed over the tooth later. 

Schedule Your Dental Treatment Today

Remember these tips to help you prepare for root canal recovery. By being proactive and knowing what to do, you can recover from a root canal unscathed and pain-free.



If you need to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Macedonia, Ohio, contact the team at Q & A Dental Care today to find out how we can help you.