So how long do I have to take off from my work after this root canal? That’s the question many of our patients ask when they come for a root canal at AO Dentistry.
We have been fixing teeth for years, and we can say that root canals are not as bad as their reputation.
Let’s discuss what you will experience and what root canal recovery time looks like.
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What is a normal root canal recovery time?
Most of our patients are genuinely shocked. “Is that it?” they often say the next day after the treatment.
Many people return to work quickly after treatment, with minimal issues during their root canal recovery time
The normal root canal recovery time is surprisingly short, and most patients come back to normal life within 12-24 hours.
Every patient is unique, though. We have seen that recovery time after root canal treatment depends upon the following:
- The infection’s severity. Badly infected teeth sometimes take longer
- Your body’s natural healing abilities. Some people just heal faster than others
- Whether we placed a temporary filling or went straight to a permanent crown
- How well you follow oral hygiene.
The root canal procedure recovery time includes some mild tenderness for a day or two. The full healing process takes about 1-2 weeks, but you will be comfortable for most of that time.
And don’t get scared about the term “root canal surgery recovery time” it sounds scarier than it is. Most of our patients head back to work the very next day without any discomfort.
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Root Canal Recovery Tips
Want to speed up the healing process? The root canal recovery time varies for each person, but most find it shorter than expected. Following these simple tips can make your root canal procedure recovery time even smoother. Here are a few tips that work best for our patients
- Take the medicine prescribed by your dentist. If your dentist prescribes you antibiotics, then you must complete the whole course.
- Cold compress: Cold compress helps with the swelling you might experience after the treatment. 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off techniques work well for most of our patients
- Chew from the other side: Chew on the other side until we get the permanent restoration in place.
- Brushing and flossing: Dont skip your daily brushing and flossing. Just be gentle around the area that was treated. Good oral habits can really help reduce your root canal recovery time
- Stay hydrated: Being hydrated helps everything heal better.
- Food: Give your teeth a break from hard food like nuts for a few days
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Root Canal Aftercare
We suggest our patient to think about aftercare in stages:
Day 1:
Wait unit the numbness wears off before eating anything. As you may bite your own cheek. Take it easy, skip the gym, and do not consume alcohol or smoke on that day. They genuinely slow down the healing.
Next few days:
Keep brushing normally, but make sure you dont scrub the treated area. Skip hot, cold, and spicy food. If pain gets worse instead of better after 3 days, that’s not normal, visit your dentist immediately.
Long-term:
The most important thing? Getting that permanent restoration! A root canal without the final crown is like building a house without a roof. You must finish the treatment.
The treated tooth will feel weird sometimes, but that’s totally normal. But make sure that the pain should not appear. If it does, visit your dentist.
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FAQs
Q1. How long should I rest after a root canal?
Ans. Its recommended to take it easy for 24-28 hours. We usually suggest waiting 2-3 days before intense workouts.
Q2. Can I eat 3 days after a root canal?
For sure! By day three, you should be eating almost normally. Just avoid biting directly on the treated tooth if it has a temporary filling.
Q3. What should I not do after a root canal?
Ans. Don’t chew on the treated side until we get the permanent crown on there. Skip alcoholic drinks for at least a day, and avoid smoking
Q4. Can I brush my teeth after a root canal?
You must brush! Just don’t put excessive pressure around the treated tooth area.
Q5. How to heal faster after a root canal?
Ans. Follow your dentist’s instructions, take your medicines, keep the area clean, stick to softer foods for a few days, drink plenty of water, and catch some extra sleep.
Q6. Can I have ice cream after a root canal?
Ans. Ice cream might help reduce inflammation. If cold sensitivity bothers you, let it sit for a minute before eating.
Root canal recovery time is usually much shorter than people expect. Most of my patients feel normal within a couple of days, and the whole process wraps up in about two weeks.
That tooth can last decades with proper care, making those few days of recovery totally worth it!
