After Root Canal: What to Do

Immediately After Treatment

Your tooth has been treated from the inside to remove infection. The area will be numb for 2-4 hours after the procedure.

• •Do not eat until the numbness wears off completely to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
• •Avoid chewing on the treated side until your permanent crown or filling is placed.
• •Some mild to moderate discomfort is normal for 3-5 days — this is part of the healing process.
• •If a temporary filling was placed, it may feel slightly rough. This is normal.

Pain & Medication

• •Take all prescribed antibiotics on schedule and complete the full course, even if you feel better.
• •Use prescribed painkillers before the anaesthesia wears off to stay ahead of the pain.
• •Over-the-counter ibuprofen can supplement prescribed medication if approved by your dentist.
• •Pain typically peaks on day 1-2 and then gradually improves.

Eating & Daily Care

• •Eat soft foods for the first 2-3 days — avoid anything hard, crunchy, or sticky.
• •Do not bite into hard foods (apples, carrots, nuts) with the treated tooth until your crown is placed.
• •Brush and floss normally, being gentle around the treated tooth.
• •Rinse with warm salt water 2-3 times daily for the first few days.

Protecting Your Treated Tooth

A root canal-treated tooth is more fragile than a healthy tooth. Getting your permanent restoration on time is essential.

• •Schedule your crown appointment within 2-4 weeks of the root canal — delaying increases the risk of fracture.
• •Avoid using the tooth for biting hard objects (ice, pen caps, nails).
• •If your temporary filling or crown falls out, contact us immediately to get it replaced.