What to Expect After a Root Canal

Root canals have a reputation for being intimidating, but the truth is they are a routine dental procedure with a high success rate. At Norcross Complete Dentistry in Peachtree Corners, GA, we want our patients to feel confident and informed about what happens after a root canal. Understanding what to expect during recovery can make your healing process smoother and more comfortable.

Immediate Post-Treatment Sensations

After your root canal procedure, your lips, teeth, and tongue may remain numb for several hours due to the anesthetic. It’s best to avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until the numbness wears off to prevent accidental injury to your mouth. If you need to eat, chew on the opposite side of your mouth.

Most root canal treatments require two or more visits. In the meantime, we place a temporary filling or crown to protect the treated tooth. It’s common for a small portion of the temporary filling to wear down or break off, but if the entire filling or crown comes out, call us immediately so we can replace it and prevent contamination or reinfection.

Tips to Protect Your Tooth Between Visits

To help protect the treated tooth while wearing a temporary crown or filling, avoid:

• Sticky or chewy foods like gum or caramel
• Hard foods such as nuts, ice, or candy
• Biting non-food objects like pencils or fingernails

Being cautious helps ensure your temporary restoration stays intact and your tooth remains protected until your permanent crown is placed.

Common Post-Procedure Symptoms

Even if your tooth didn’t hurt before your root canal, some discomfort afterward is completely normal. Typical symptoms include:

• Soreness when chewing
• A dull ache near the treated area
• Gum tenderness or inflammation

These symptoms generally resolve within 7–10 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are usually sufficient for managing mild discomfort. If your dentist prescribed antibiotics, continue the full course—even if symptoms disappear early—to fully resolve any infection.

When to Call the Dentist

While most root canal recoveries are smooth, you should contact our Peachtree Corners office if you experience:

• Severe pain that worsens after a few days
• Swelling that does not go down
• Signs of infection (pus, fever, or foul taste)
• Loss of the temporary crown or filling

Prompt attention can prevent complications and protect the long-term health of your tooth.

Long-Term Outlook

Root canal therapy has a success rate of over 95%, and with proper care, the treated tooth can last a lifetime. After your final crown is placed, you should resume normal oral hygiene habits—brushing twice daily, flossing, and scheduling regular dental checkups.

Visit Norcross Complete Dentistry in Peachtree Corners, GA

Our team at Norcross Complete Dentistry is here to guide you through every step of your root canal treatment—from diagnosis to full recovery. Serving patients across the Peachtree Corners and Norcross areas, we take pride in providing personalized, compassionate care to help restore your smile and bring you comfort.

If you have questions or concerns about your recovery after a root canal, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Your dental health and peace of mind are always our top priorities.