Immediate Post-Procedure Care

You've just had your root canal treatment completed — here's what to expect and how to look after yourself over the coming days.

The First Few Hours

The local anaesthetic will keep the area numb for 2–4 hours after you leave my practice. During this time:

Avoid eating until the numbness has fully worn off. Chewing while numb risks biting your cheek, lip, or tongue without realising it.
Avoid hot drinks — you won't be able to gauge the temperature properly and could burn yourself.
Rest if possible — while most patients feel well enough to return to work or daily activities, there's no harm in taking it easy for the remainder of the day.

The First Few Days

Some mild to moderate tenderness around the treated tooth is completely normal and typically peaks within the first 24–48 hours before gradually improving. The area may also feel slightly bruised, especially if the infection was significant prior to treatment.

Eat on the opposite side of your mouth for the first few days to avoid putting pressure on the treated tooth.
Stick to softer foods — soups, pasta, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, and similar foods are ideal while the area is tender.
Continue brushing and flossing your other teeth as normal. Be gentle around the treated tooth, but don't avoid it entirely — keeping the area clean is important.

Pain Management

Most patients manage post-root-canal discomfort very well with over-the-counter painkillers. I generally recommend:

Ibuprofen (e.g., Nurofen) — 400mg every 6–8 hours with food. Ibuprofen is particularly effective because it reduces both pain and inflammation. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Paracetamol — 500mg–1g every 4–6 hours if ibuprofen alone isn't sufficient, or if you can't take ibuprofen.
Combination approach — taking ibuprofen and paracetamol together (at their respective recommended doses) can be more effective than either alone. They work through different mechanisms, so it's safe to combine them.

Avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding. If I've prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course even if you feel better before they're finished.

The pain should improve steadily day by day. If it's getting worse after the first 48 hours rather than better, contact my practice.

When to Get Your Permanent Crown

This is one of the most important steps, and one that patients sometimes delay — please don't. I'll arrange your crown appointment typically within 2–4 weeks of completing the root canal treatment.

A root-canal-treated tooth no longer has a living pulp supplying it with moisture and nutrients, which makes it more brittle over time. The temporary filling protects it in the short term, but it's not designed to last. Without a proper crown:

The tooth is at significant risk of fracturing under normal chewing forces
The temporary filling can leak, allowing bacteria back into the cleaned canals
All the work done during root canal treatment could be compromised

I've seen patients lose teeth they waited too long to crown. Please attend your crown appointment as scheduled — it's the final step in protecting your investment.

Warning Signs — When to Call Immediately

Contact my practice straight away if you experience any of the following:

Severe pain that doesn't respond to over-the-counter painkillers, or pain that worsens significantly after the first 48 hours
Visible swelling of the face, jaw, or gum area around the treated tooth
Your bite feels uneven — if the temporary filling feels too high and you're hitting it first when you close your mouth
The temporary filling falls out — this exposes the canals to bacteria and needs to be addressed promptly
Allergic reaction to any prescribed medication — symptoms such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing
Fever — this could indicate that infection is still present or has spread
A return of the original symptoms — throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot/cold, or a bad taste in the mouth

Don't hesitate to ring even if you're unsure whether something is normal. It's always better to check.

Long-Term Outlook

The good news is that root canal treatment has an excellent long-term success rate — approximately 95%. Once your permanent crown is in place, the treated tooth can function just like any other tooth in your mouth for many years, often for the rest of your life.

To give your treated tooth the best chance of lasting:

Maintain good oral hygiene — brush twice daily, floss once daily, and pay particular attention to the crowned tooth
Attend regular check-ups — I'll take periodic X-rays to confirm the area around the root tip remains healthy
Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth — bruxism puts extra stress on crowns and can cause fractures
Avoid using the tooth to bite very hard objects — while a crowned tooth is strong, it's not indestructible

In rare cases, a root-canal-treated tooth may develop new problems months or years later. Signs include recurring pain, swelling, or a new abscess. If this happens, retreatment or a minor surgical procedure (an apicoectomy) can often save the tooth. I'll discuss all options with you should this situation ever arise.

Root canal treatment, followed by a well-fitted crown, is one of the most predictable and successful procedures in dentistry. My goal is always to help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible, and this treatment is one of the best tools I have for achieving that.

Root Canal Aftercare