Many patients ask, "how long does it take to recover from a root canal?"
Root canal therapy might sound scary, but recovery is usually easy when you follow the right steps.
To be clear, most people feel some discomfort for just a few days and return to normal within one to two weeks.
Some might find that their pain eases up pretty quickly, while others could take a few weeks (maybe even a month) to feel completely comfortable again.
We created this guide to help you understand what to expect during root canal recovery, how to speed up your healing, and when you should reach out to us if you need help.
Before we talk about recovery, let's explain what a root canal is.
A root canal is needed when a tooth gets infected or badly decayed.
The dentist removes the inner pulp, which has nerves and blood vessels, to stop further damage or tooth loss.
(If you want to know about the cost of a root canal procedure, check our post on that topic)
During the procedure, your dentist will:
1. Remove the infected pulp
2. Clean and disinfect the canal
3. Fill and seal the tooth
Sometimes, a porcelain crown or another type of crown is added afterward to help restore the tooth’s structure and strength.
Some patients wonder if a dental crown is the same as a dental implant or veneers.
But no, a dental crown is a specific type of treatment.
We have a complete guide about dental crowns.
Everyone’s journey to feeling better is unique, but recovering from a root canal usually goes a similar way for most people.
Most people take between 1 and 7 days to recover from a root canal.
Some patients feel normal again in just 24 to 48 hours, while others may have mild sensitivity or tenderness for a few more days.
Here’s a timeline of what to expect:
Right after the procedure, you might feel numb from the anesthesia, and as that wears off, you could have a little soreness.
Your dentist can give you some over-the-counter pain meds to help with any discomfort.
In the next couple of days, you might notice some swelling or tenderness around the treated tooth.
This is totally normal (even in tooth extractions) and means your body is healing.
Most people can get back to eating normally and their daily activities within a week.
By the end of a week or two, you shouldn’t have much pain or serious tenderness.
Just keep in mind that your tooth and jaw may continue healing for several weeks or even months, especially if there was a severe infection or extra work needed.
If your pain gets worse or isn’t improving after a week, it’s a good idea to reach out to your dentist.
This also applies to any bleeding.
At The Junction Family Dental Care, we’re here to provide personalized care instructions and support after your procedure to help you recover as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Not everyone heals at the same speed.
In fact, several factors can affect how long your recovery takes:
Molars have more roots and are harder to treat than front teeth, which can mean a longer healing time.
If your tooth was very infected or swollen before the procedure, it might take longer to heal.
Following aftercare instructions, such as not chewing on the treated tooth, eating a healthy diet, taking your medications, and keeping good oral hygiene, can help you heal faster.
Look out for these signs that could mean there's a problem:
If you notice any of these, contact your dentist right away.
Recovery really depends on how well you stick to your dentist's advice:
You can get more post-treatment food ideas that are similar to what you’d eat after getting your wisdom teeth out.
After a few days, you can switch back to your regular brushing and flossing to keep everything clean.
Patients often have similar questions, so we grouped the most common ones below:
Most people feel normal again within one to two weeks. You may have mild tenderness for a few weeks longer, but most discomfort disappears quickly.
Mild discomfort is normal.
However, if you have severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection after a few days, contact your dentist right away. These could be signs of complications.
Many patients go back to work the same day or after a day of rest, especially if their job isn’t physically demanding.
If your job involves heavy lifting or hard work, wait 24–48 hours based on how you feel.
Yes, your dentist will likely schedule a follow-up visit to check your healing and possibly place a permanent crown if needed.
Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days.
Avoid hard, sticky, or very hot foods until the area feels normal.
Good options include yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes.
Now that you know the answer to "how long does it take to recover from a root canal?", focus on your recovery by following your dentist's advice and resting as much as possible.
This will help you get back to your normal activities quickly.
If you notice that swelling gets worse instead of better, or if you have ongoing pain, fever, or any strange taste or discharge from the tooth, contact your dentist at Junction right away.
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