You’ve just finished your root canal treatment and the hardest part is over. These instructions will help make your recovery comfortable and protect the treated tooth while it gets ready for its final restoration.

The First Few Hours

Wait for the anesthesia to wear off (2-4 hours) before eating, so you don’t bite your tongue or cheek.
It’s normal to feel discomfort or sensitivity when biting for the first few days — the tissue around the tooth was inflamed.
Don’t bite down on the treated tooth until it has its final restoration.

Managing Discomfort

Take the pain reliever or anti-inflammatory we prescribed, at the times we told you — don’t wait until it hurts a lot.
If we prescribed an antibiotic, finish the full course even if you already feel fine.
The discomfort should get better every day. Pain that increases after the second or third day is not normal: contact us.

Eating

For the first few days, choose soft foods and chew on the side opposite the treated tooth.
Avoid very hard foods (ice, small bones, seeds, hard candy) on the treated tooth until it gets its crown or final restoration.
Avoid very hot foods for the first 24 hours.

Hygiene

Brush and floss as usual, gently around the treated area.
If you have a temporary filling, avoid snapping the floss up on that tooth — slide it out to the side instead of pulling it up.

Protect Your Tooth: the Final Restoration

A tooth that has had a root canal is more fragile and needs its final restoration (usually a crown) so it doesn’t fracture. Don’t skip your restoration appointment: a fracture can mean losing the tooth we just saved.

⚠️ When to contact us right away

Severe pain that doesn’t go away with medication or that gets worse after the third day
Swelling of the face or gums
Fever
The temporary filling falls out or breaks
A reaction to the medication (hives, itching, trouble breathing — in that case go to the emergency room)

Care After a Root Canal