The recovery period for a root canal depends on how many visits it takes to complete the job. Once the tooth is treated and permanently sealed, you should feel only mild discomfort, if any, for the next few days. It's nothing like having your wisdom teeth pulled. Here is what to expect after a root canal.
Pain
You may feel some discomfort after the anesthetic has worn off, but you should be able to resume normal activities within a day. Your doctor may prescribe a pain medication or suggest you take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic to clear up any remaining infection.The tooth and surrounding gum area could remain sensitive for two to three days.
Chewing Precautions
In some cases, root canal treatment requires several visits. In that case, the dentist will likely install a temporary cap to protect the tooth. Avoid chewing anything tough or hard on that tooth until after your final visit. Unless your dentist advises further precautions, you then should be able to resume normal eating.
Restoring the Tooth
After completing the root canal surgery, the dentist may try to restore the tooth with a filling. However, teeth that have undergone root canals tend to be more brittle than others. That makes the tooth more vulnerable to cracking when you bite down on something hard. If you suddenly feel pain, it may indicate that you need to have a cap (or crown) installed on the tooth.
Possible Complications
According to WebMD, 95 percent of root canals are successful. However, a tooth may contain more than the expected number of canals, resulting in one left untreated. Other problems include the dentist missing a crack in the root of the tooth or failing to completely seal the treated area, allowing for bacteria to again penetrate. Similarly, if the crown or filling is defective, bacteria could reinfect the tooth. One sign that the root canal failed is if the tooth is sensitive to cold.
Nagging Pain
You may find that after four or five days, you still feel pain when you clench your teeth. If you had a crown installed, the dentist may need to file it down to adjust your bite.
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