If you’re looking for a dentist in Philadelphia to perform a root canal, you have a lot of questions. The top question our patients ask is, “how long will it take to recover from my root canal?” People worry that a root canal will be painful or take forever to recover from, usually because they remember what root canals were like for their parents. The good news is dentistry has come a long way. Root canals aren’t what they used to be.

Let’s drill into root canals.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure to treat damage to the pulp in the root of your tooth. The damage may be caused by disease, bacteria from untreated cavities digging into the root, injury to the tooth, or even genetics that affect your tooth structure and health.

During the root canal, we make an opening in the crown of your tooth so that we can remove the damaged pulp. Once it is removed, we clean and disinfect the root canal and opening, then fill the canal to seal it. The procedure itself usually takes one visit, though if there is extensive damage or multiple teeth that need a root canal, it may take two or three visits.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

You’ll receive local anesthesia during the root canal to numb the tooth and area around it, so you won’t feel pain from the procedure itself. After the procedure, you may experience minor pain or discomfort for a few days while your mouth heals from the procedure.

How Long Does Root Canal Recovery Take?

The initial recovery only takes a few hours, as the anesthesia wears off and the feeling returns to your mouth. You may feel some minor pain or experience swelling. For the best results don’t eat or drink until after the numbness wears off to avoid biting your lip, cheek, or tongue during chewing.

Once the numbness fades, you enter the next stage of recovery. You can eat soft, mild foods that require little chewing. Avoid eating anything hard, chewy, or hot, as they may damage the newly treated tooth or cause additional pain and discomfort. This stage of recovery should only last a few days. Unless your endodontist has given you other instructions, once the pain and discomfort fade, you should be able to eat and drink as normal.

If you experience extreme pain or swelling after your root canal, or if the pain doesn’t go away after a few days, contact us right away.

Root Canal and Cosmetic Dentistry in Philadelphia

Are you looking for a dental clinic in Philadelphia or the surrounding area? Contact us for an appointment for you and your whole family. Good dental care is important, so help your children start good habits while they’re young. They’ll thank you for it when they’re older.