“How should you recover from a root canal?”

It is important to follow your dentists specific instructions after a root canal regarding post-operative care. Generally it is advised that one not each any hard or sticky foods while to the tooth has a temporary filling. The tooth may be pressure sensitive or uncomfortable, so one can take pain medication as advised by their doctor after the procedure

It will heal by itself.

This varies from individual to individual. Some people go golfing or fishing, others go shopping. Some stay home with a glass of wine and tell the spouse and kids to get their own dinner. Some want to be left alone in front of the TV and play up the suffering. Most just go right back to work, or whatever they do. Since root canal is generally painless and recovery not bad, just 2 ibuprofen before the anesthetic can wear off, and they are fine. Yes, some people do have issues, most commonly if the bite if off, in which case, a quick call to your dentist for 5 minutes to adjust the bite will take care of it. It really should not be worse than a filling. Of course, if treatment has been delayed and you have a bad infection (what is a good infection?) it may be more sore, and sometimes the body will overreact with severe pain or swelling. This is why we have phones. Call your dentist and they will help you. Don't sit around and suffer, and don't wait around for the pain to start! You may never have any pain. Your endodontist can tell you more accurately what to expect.
GOOD LUCK.

Typically things are sore after a root canal. The first 48 hours are the most noticable. If antibiotics are needed, it takes time for them to start to be effective. If there is extensive discomfort or swelling, you should contact your dentist. Some folks don't notice much of anything after a root canal. Always ask what your dentist expects as they can gauge how infected it was and estimate better.

Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

There is not too much to it! You may be sore for a few days and your doctor should be able to give you an idea of what symptoms to expect. Overall, it should recover quickly and you will get right back to normal!

Brett E. Gilbert, D.D.S.

Recovery time for root canal is anywhere from one to two weeks.

Recovery after a root canal is usually immediate. You should be able to drive and return to work. It is normal for your tooth to be a little tender or sore for a few days, but as long as you avoid chewing on it and take over the counter pain medications, you should be fine.