Services/Post-Operative Instructions/Root Canal
Post-Operative Instructions

Caring for your tooth after a root canal

These instructions apply at every Emergency Dental location. Follow them closely for the first week while the tooth settles and, if needed, until your permanent filling or crown is placed.

Video coming soon
First 24 hours
  • Your mouth will stay numb for a few hours, so avoid chewing or hot drinks until feeling fully returns
  • Mild soreness or tenderness around the tooth and gum is normal
  • Take pain relievers as directed. Most discomfort responds well to over-the-counter medication
  • Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until any temporary filling has fully set
  • Stick to softer foods on that side of your mouth today
Day 2–3
  • Soreness should steadily lessen. It's normal for the tooth to feel slightly different than before
  • Continue avoiding hard or sticky foods on the treated side
  • Brush and floss as normal, including around the treated tooth
  • If a temporary filling was placed, be gentle around it so it stays intact
Day 4–7
  • Discomfort should be gone or nearly gone; you should be chewing normally again
  • If we placed a temporary filling, schedule your follow-up visit for a permanent crown or filling
  • Until that follow-up, avoid very hard or sticky foods on that tooth to protect the temporary filling
Call your location if you notice:
  • Pain that increases rather than decreases after the first couple of days
  • Visible swelling in your face or gums
  • A temporary filling that falls out or feels loose
  • A return of the original sharp or throbbing pain

Something doesn't feel right?

Reach out to the location that treated you, or walk into any Emergency Dental office.

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