You just had a root canal—now what? Understanding what to expect during recovery helps you heal faster and know when something might need attention. Here’s your complete guide to root canal recovery, based on what I tell my patients at Phan Endodontic Partners.
Recovery Timeline
First Few Hours
Mouth still numb from anesthesia (2–4 hours). Avoid eating, hot beverages, and poking the treated area.
First 24–48 Hours
Most noticeable discomfort. Mild to moderate aching, tenderness when biting, possible slight swelling. Manageable with OTC medication.
Days 3–7
Significant improvement. Initial inflammation settles. Most patients feel close to normal by end of first week.
Weeks 1–4
Initial healing complete. Any residual tenderness should be gone. Schedule your permanent crown within 2–4 weeks.
Months 1–12
Bone around the root tip regenerates. For teeth with large infections, complete bone healing may take 6–12 months.
Immediately After Your Procedure
The First Few Hours
When you leave our office, your mouth will still be numb from the anesthesia. This numbness typically lasts 2-4 hours, sometimes longer depending on the type of anesthesia used and your individual response.
During this time:
- Avoid eating until the numbness wears off (you could bite your cheek or tongue without realizing it)
- Avoid hot beverages (you won’t feel if something is too hot)
- Be careful when speaking—your lips and tongue may not cooperate fully
- Don’t poke or prod the treated area
When the Anesthesia Wears Off
As numbness fades, you may begin to feel some discomfort. This is normal—your tooth and surrounding tissues have just undergone a procedure. Here’s what’s typical:
Normal sensations:
- Mild to moderate aching in the treated tooth
- Some tenderness when biting
- Slight throbbing that comes and goes
- Minor gum soreness near the injection site
Managing initial discomfort:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) before the anesthesia fully wears off
- Continue taking medication as directed for the first 24-48 hours
- Apply an ice pack to your cheek (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) if there’s any swelling
The First 24-48 Hours
This is when most patients experience the most noticeable discomfort, though it’s usually quite manageable.
What’s Normal
- Tenderness when biting: The tooth may feel “tall” or sensitive to pressure. This usually improves significantly within a few days.
- Mild swelling: Some puffiness in the cheek or gum area is common, especially if there was infection present.
- Jaw soreness: Keeping your mouth open during the procedure can make your jaw muscles tired.
- Injection site tenderness: Where the anesthesia was administered may be sore for a day or two.
Eating and Drinking
First 24 hours:
- Eat soft foods on the opposite side of your mouth
- Avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages
- Good choices: soup (warm, not hot), yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods
After 24 hours:
- Gradually return to normal eating as comfort allows
- Continue avoiding the treated tooth for hard or chewy foods until your permanent crown is placed
- The temporary filling is durable but not designed for heavy chewing
Oral Hygiene
- Resume brushing the night of your procedure, but be gentle around the treated tooth
- You can rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz water) to help with healing
- Continue flossing, but be careful around any temporary filling
- Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based mouthwash for the first few days
Days 3-7: Healing Continues
Most patients feel significantly better by day 3 or 4. The initial inflammation settles down, and the treated area begins to heal.
What to Expect
- Discomfort should be decreasing noticeably each day
- You may still feel some sensitivity when biting, but it should be improving
- Any swelling should be resolving
- You should be able to eat more normally (though still avoid the treated tooth for hard foods)
Activity Level
- You can typically resume normal activities the day after your root canal
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours (elevated heart rate can increase throbbing)
- Most patients return to work the next day
- Listen to your body—if something increases discomfort, take a break
Long-Term Healing
While you’ll feel better within a week, complete healing of the bone and tissues around the tooth root takes longer.
Getting Your Permanent Crown
Your root canal isn’t fully complete until you get a permanent crown (for most back teeth). The temporary filling protects the tooth, but it’s not meant for long-term use. Without a crown, the tooth is weakened and more prone to fracture, bacteria could re-enter the canal system, and the tooth may not function properly for chewing.
Recommended timeline: See your general dentist for a crown within 2–4 weeks of your root canal. Don’t wait longer than 30 days.
When to Call Our Office
Call Us If You Experience
- Severe pain not controlled by over-the-counter medication
- Significant swelling that worsens after 48 hours or returns after initially improving
- Fever over 100°F
- Allergic reaction to medication (rash, difficulty breathing, severe itching)
- The temporary filling falls out completely (a small chip is usually fine)
- Your bite feels significantly “off” even after a few days
- Visible pus or drainage from the treated area
- Numbness that persists more than 8 hours after your procedure
Don’t Worry About
- Mild aching for a few days
- Minor sensitivity to temperature
- Slight tenderness when chewing
- A small rough spot on the temporary filling
- Jaw muscle soreness
Medications and Pain Management
Over-the-Counter Options
For most patients, OTC pain relievers are sufficient:
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Take 400-600mg every 6 hours as needed. This is often the most effective option because it reduces both pain and inflammation.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Take 500-1000mg every 6 hours as needed. A good option if you can’t take ibuprofen.
Combination approach: Taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen together (alternating every 3 hours) can be very effective for moderate pain. Ask us if this is right for you.
Prescription Medications
If you were prescribed antibiotics or stronger pain medication, take them exactly as directed. Don’t skip antibiotic doses even if you feel better—complete the full course.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Start pain medication early. Taking ibuprofen before the anesthesia wears off prevents pain from building up.
- Rest the day of your procedure. You don’t have to stay in bed, but take it easy.
- Sleep with your head elevated the first night if there’s any swelling.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 48 hours—both impair healing.
- Don’t skip meals. Your body needs nutrition to heal. If chewing is uncomfortable, have a smoothie or soup.
- Keep up with oral hygiene. A clean mouth heals faster.
- Schedule your crown appointment before you leave our office if possible.
Have Questions?
Recovery from a root canal is usually straightforward, but every patient is different. If you have any concerns—even if they seem minor—don’t hesitate to call us. We’d rather answer a quick question than have you worry unnecessarily.
Contact Phan Endodontic Partners: (310) 378-8342
Our team is here to support you through your recovery and ensure the best possible outcome for your treated tooth.