A root canal treatment is a common dental procedure used to save a tooth that is badly infected or damaged. If you have an appointment with a dentist near you for a root canal, you may wonder, “Can I go to work after a root canal procedure?” This blog will explain what you can expect, how to recover, and important tips for your healing.
What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment
During a root canal, a dentist near you will remove the infected flesh from the inside of the tooth. Pulp is the soft tissue that consists of nerves and blood vessels. Once the dentist removes or eliminates the infection, the dentist cleans the inside of the tooth, shapes the tooth, and fills the inside of the tooth with some material. In some cases and if necessary, the dentist may also place or put a temporary filling or crown on the tooth to keep it protected until your dentist performs a permanent restoration.
The complete procedure can take 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth type and the complexity of the infection. Most patients are awake for this procedure, but local anesthesia is available for the area to be numbed if desired.
Can You Go to Work After a Root Canal?
The answer to this question is case-dependent, as well as dependent upon the work you had.
- Sedentary Jobs: If you are not lifting or physically active, you can generally return to work the same day. You will likely feel some mild discomfort or tenderness, but most of the time it can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain medicine.
- Physically Demanding Jobs: If your job requires heavy lifting, bending, or vigorous work, it is best to rest for a day before going back to work. Physical demands can lead to increased soreness or swelling in the treated area.
- Recovery Comfort: Other patients may experience a tired feeling after any root canal treatment in NE Calgary due to the stress of the procedure. You may have no trouble going to work, but if possible, take it easy on recovering and do not try to work or do any heavy, stressful tasks for the rest of the day.
Root Canal Recovery Time
Recovery time will vary with the tooth and the complexity of the treatment. Most patients start to feel back to normal within 24 to 48 hours. It is normal to experience mild soreness or tenderness of the tooth you have had treated with a root canal for the first few days. Here is a simple table to help you understand the root canal healing timeline
| Time After Root Canal | What to Expect | Tips for Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| First 24 hours | Mild pain, slight swelling | Take pain medicine as recommended, rest |
| 1–3 days | The tooth may feel sensitive to chewing | Eat soft foods; avoid hard or sticky foods |
| 1 week | Soreness usually decreases | Continue good oral hygiene, avoid chewing on the treated tooth until a permanent filling or crown is placed |
| 2 weeks+ | Most patients feel normal | Permanent restoration can be done; tooth should feel fully functional |
Avoiding Food After Root Canal
During the early period of recovery, it is very important to avoid foods that may irritate the tooth that was treated, and all of the food you consume must be the right thing.
- You should avoid hard foods such as nuts, ice, and candy
- You should also stay away from sticky foods such as caramel, taffy, or chewing gum
- If you feel any sensitivity, it is best to avoid foods/drinks that are hot or cold.
Soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup are all good ideas to eat. Follow your dentist recommendations on when it is safe to return to a regular diet.
Tips for a Smooth Root Canal Recovery
- Use over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. It will help manage any soreness and also help you feel more comfortable.
- After your root canal, if you experience swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 10-15 minutes.
- Let your body heal itself, especially in the first 24 hours
- After a root canal, one should always keep the follow-up appointments or checkups that may be required to keep you on the road to proper healing.
- Brush your teeth and floss as recommended. Also make sure not to chew on the treated tooth till advised, for this will reduce any chances of infection.
When to Contact a Dentist
Call your dentist nearby if you
- Are in so much pain; pain medication is not helping
- If swelling gets worse after the first day
- If you develop a fever, or any signs or symptoms of infection
- If the treated tooth feels loose, or unstable
Seeking timely attention can reduce complications and can provide a successful recovery from your root canal.
Save Your Smile with Root Canal Therapy!
At Memorial Square Dental, we use safe, effective root canal therapy methods to save your natural teeth and reduce pain. Our dentists utilize modern methods and technology, which make root canal therapy more comfortable and gentler. Contact us today to make your appointment.
