Root Canal Post-Operative Instructions

After Your Root Canal Treatment

It is normal for the treated tooth and surrounding area to feel different after root canal treatment. Mild tenderness may occur as the tooth settles.

• Follow all instructions provided by your dental team.
• Allow the treated tooth time to settle after the procedure.
• Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the treated tooth until your dentist recommends normal use.
• Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments.

Numbness After Treatment

Local anesthesia may leave your lips, cheeks, tongue, or treated area numb for a period of time after your appointment.

• Avoid chewing until normal sensation returns.
• Be careful not to bite your cheek, lip, or tongue while numb.
• Avoid very hot foods and beverages while you are still numb.
• Allow the numbness to wear off before eating normally.

Pain & Discomfort

Some tenderness or mild discomfort can occur after root canal treatment. This can be more noticeable when biting or applying pressure to the treated tooth.

• Follow your dentist's recommendations for managing discomfort.
• Take medications only as directed by your dental provider.
• Avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth if it is tender.
• Contact our office if pain becomes severe or continues to worsen.

Eating & Drinking

Once the effects of anesthesia have worn off, follow your dentist's recommendations regarding eating and chewing.

• Wait until numbness has worn off before chewing.
• Choose softer foods if the tooth feels tender.
• Avoid placing excessive pressure on the treated tooth.
• Avoid very hot foods or beverages while your mouth is still numb.

Oral Hygiene

Continue your normal oral hygiene routine unless your dental team gives you different instructions.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth regularly.
• Floss gently around the treated tooth.
• Keep the area around the temporary restoration clean.
• Continue routine dental examinations and professional cleanings.

Caring for Your Temporary Filling

Some root canal treatments require a temporary filling or restoration while the tooth is healing and before the final restoration is placed.

• Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the treated tooth.
• Do not pick at or disturb the temporary filling.
• Brush gently around the treated tooth.
• Contact our office if the temporary filling comes out or becomes damaged.

Complete Your Final Restoration

A root canal-treated tooth may require a permanent filling, crown, or other restoration depending on the tooth and your treatment plan.

Completing the recommended final restoration helps protect the treated tooth and restore normal function.

• Keep your appointment for the final restoration.
• Follow your dentist's recommendations regarding the type of restoration needed.
• Avoid delaying recommended restorative treatment.

Medications

Your dentist may recommend medication based on your individual treatment and needs.

Your Bite After Treatment

Your treated tooth may feel slightly different immediately after treatment. If your bite feels uneven or the tooth contacts sooner than the others, contact our office.

• Do not attempt to adjust the tooth or restoration yourself.
• Tell our dental team if your bite feels noticeably high.
• Contact us if biting causes significant or persistent discomfort.

Keep Your Follow-Up Appointment

Follow-up care is important after root canal treatment. Your dentist will monitor the treated tooth and complete any additional treatment needed.

• Attend all scheduled appointments.
• Complete the recommended final restoration.
• Tell our office about continued pain, swelling, or sensitivity.
• Follow all additional instructions provided by your dental team.