Root canals are an extremely successful way of removing infection from your teeth, save your own natural tooth and relieve your acute dental pain. However, after your treatment there is a healing process involved. Many people ask questions about how long a root canal takes to heal, how much pain they will have and when they will be able to eat and work normally again.
Although the acute phase of your treatment will subside after a few days, it will take some time for any tissue and bone healing underneath to complete. Knowing how long a root canal takes to heal will ensure you know how much to expect, take good care of your healing tooth and spot any signs of complications.
Root Canal Healing: What to Expect During the First 24 Hours Post
During the first 24 hours there are a few things you need to consider.
- Painkiller
The local painkiller will begin to wear off after 2-4 hours. For this reason it is best to avoid chewing or drinking hot drinks for this amount of time to prevent biting into your cheeks, tongue or lips.
- Soreness
You may feel some slight soreness in the gums and jaw muscles as the painkiller wears off. This is because your mouth was held open for your treatment and there will be slight inflammation at the root tip.
- Activity
Although most people will be able to carry out light daily activities straight away, it is best to avoid any strenuous activity for the first 24hours to ensure your blood pressure stays stable and reduce any throbbing around the tooth.
Root Canal Recovery: What Happens Between Days 2 and 7 of Healing
During the first week you will notice any acute soreness subsiding and the soft tissue around the root tip will begin to settle.
Pain
Your sensitivity will peak between 24-48 hours but will start to ease each day. By day 3/4 most people will not have much pain when carrying out daily activities.
Diet
Eat soft foods such as scrambled eggs, yogurt, smooth soups and mashed potato. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth to the treated tooth.
Tenderness
It is completely normal to feel some slight sensitivity when applying pressure to the tooth. This is because the periodontal ligament that holds your root in place is beginning to heal.
Root Canal Healing: What to Expect During Weeks 1 to 4 of Recovery
During the first 4 weeks your tooth will heal into its mid-healing stage.
- Permanent Crown
Most root canals will need a permanent crown made from porcelain or ceramic to protect the remaining part of your tooth. This is usually carried out 2-4 weeks after the root canal has been completed. This gives time for any acute inflammation to subside.
- Eating Normally
Once your permanent crown has been permanently glued in place you can slowly begin to eat normally.
- No Pain
By week 2 you should no longer experience any noticeable pain, pressure or sensitivity.
Root Canal Recovery: What Happens Over 1 to 6 Months or More
Although your tooth will feel completely normal within one or two weeks, there will still be healing happening underneath your jaw.
Bone Healing
If there was significant bone loss around your root tip due to a deep infection, your body will slowly begin to repair this over 6-12 months.
X-Rays
Many dentists will take x-rays 6-12 months after to check that the bone is fully healed around the root tip.
Fully Functional
A well cleaned, sealed and restored root canal will work exactly the same as any healthy tooth. With good oral hygiene this can last a lifetime.
Key Factors That Can Affect Your Root Canal Healing Time
Everyone will have different healing times due to various factors.
Existing infection
Teeth that had large infections or lots of bone loss will take longer to settle down compared to those that were treated early on when they started to show inflammation.
Tooth Position
Molars in the back of your mouth have multiple complex curved canals so you may have a bit more sensitivity after treatment.
General Health
As a whole your general health, age, diabetes and immune system will have an impact on how quickly you will heal.
Following Care Advice
Those that follow advice around eating soft foods, gentle cleaning and avoiding chewing on temporary fillings will heal quicker.
How to Support a Smooth and Comfortable Root Canal Recovery
Simple steps can be taken to speed up your healing and reduce any pain.
Anti-inflammatory
Take OTC NSAIDs such as ibuprofen as advised by your dentist to reduce any swollen tissue.
Salt Water Rinses
Rinse with warm salt water 3 times a day to soothe any inflamed gums.
Gentle Cleaning
Continue to brush and floss your teeth. Ensure you gently floss around your temporary fillings.
Sleep
Ensure you get plenty of sleep to help boost your immune system.
Warning Signs of Complications After Root Canal Treatment
Root canals have a high success rate but there are some signs you should look out for.
- Increased Pain
If you are experiencing increased throbbing pain after a few days or cannot relieve the pain with OTC medication this could be a sign of ongoing inflammation or a margin issue.
- Swelling
If you have significant swelling around your gums, cheek or jaw this could be a sign of ongoing infection.
- Temporary Fillings Loose/Broken
If your temporary fillings become loose you will expose your cleaned canals to saliva and bacteria. Your dentist will need to re-seal them.
- Uneven Bite
If your tooth feels significantly higher than your other teeth when you close your mouth it will create an uneven bite putting pressure on the root tip. This will need to be adjusted quickly.
Top Tips For A Smooth Healing
- Do not eat any solid foods or hot drinks until the local painkiller has completely worn off.
- Take any anti-inflammatory as advised.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days.
- Chew on the opposite side of the mouth until your permanent crown is in.
- Continue to brush and floss your teeth but gently around the treated tooth.
- Rinse with warm salt water gently a few times a day.
- Have your permanent crown fitted 2-4 weeks after treatment.
- Contact your dentist if you have severe pain, visible swelling or an uneven bite.
Root Canal Healing FAQs: Answers to Common Recovery Questions
How long do I need off work?
Most people will not need to take time off work. However it is usually possible to return the same day or next morning. If you have a physically demanding job or have sedation it is best to take a day off.
Why is my tooth still painful after a week?
You may experience some pressure sensitivity for up to 1-2 weeks as the bone and ligament tissue is healing. However, if you are still experiencing sharp or severe pain after a week contact your dentist to check for high spots or inflammation.
Can I exercise?
Avoid any strenuous exercise, weight training or high intensity workouts for the first 24-48 hours. This will cause your blood pressure to rise, increasing any throbbing/soreness.
What if I delay my permanent crown?
If you delay having your permanent crown your temporary crown will start to wear and margin leak. This can cause bacteria to enter the canals causing a secondary infection or the natural tooth can crack.
Overall root canals heal very quickly and are an easy process. Although the acute pain will go after a few days following correct healing advice and having your permanent crown will ensure complete healing underneath your jaw. Taking care of your healing tooth will ensure you get the most out of your investment with no pain and a healthy natural smile.