In short
- Mild soreness for a few days is normal. Worsening pain, swelling or a fever is not.
- Chew on the other side until the final filling or crown is in place.
- Keep brushing and cleaning between your teeth, gently around the treated tooth.
- Go back for the final restoration soon, because a temporary filling can wear away.
- Call the clinic if the filling falls out or the bite feels high.
A root canal removes an infected or inflamed nerve so the tooth can stay in your mouth. The treatment itself is usually done under local anaesthetic, and what you do in the days afterwards matters as much as the appointment. This guide explains what is normal, what helps, and when to call the clinic.
The first day
The numbness from the anaesthetic usually lasts a few hours. Avoid chewing until it has gone, because it is easy to bite your cheek or tongue without feeling it. Eat something soft and lukewarm, and drink water.
The tooth and the gum around it may feel tender for a few days. This is common, because the tissue around the root has been inflamed. If your dentist advised a pain reliever, take it as directed.
Protect the tooth until the final restoration
After a root canal the tooth is often held together by a temporary filling. It is weaker than a finished tooth, and a back tooth in particular can crack under a hard bite.
- Chew on the other side until your final filling or dental crown is in place.
- Avoid sticky, hard or very chewy foods such as toffee, nuts and ice.
- Do not delay the follow-up visit. A temporary filling can wear or loosen, and bacteria can then reach the tooth again.
Keep cleaning your teeth
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth once a day. Be gentle around the treated tooth for the first few days, but do not skip it. A clean mouth lowers the chance of the infection returning.
What is normal and what is not
Mild soreness, a slightly raised feeling when you bite, and sensitivity to pressure usually settle over a few days. Contact the clinic if you notice any of the following:
- Severe pain that is getting worse instead of better
- Swelling of the gum, face or jaw
- A fever
- A temporary filling that has fallen out
- A bite that still feels high after a few days
- A rash or other reaction to a medicine
Swelling that spreads, difficulty swallowing or breathing needs urgent medical attention.
Why a crown is often advised
A tooth that has had a root canal has lost its nerve and often a good part of its structure. A crown covers the whole tooth and spreads the chewing force, which lowers the risk of a break. Whether you need one depends on the tooth and how much of it is left, and your dentist will explain this before treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How long will the tooth feel sore after a root canal?
Tenderness often settles within a few days, though a tooth that was badly infected can take a little longer. It should improve gradually. If pain is getting worse, or there is swelling or a fever, contact the clinic.
Can I eat normally after a root canal?
Wait until the numbness has gone, then choose soft foods. Chew on the other side until the final filling or crown is in place, and avoid hard or sticky foods in the meantime.
Do I always need a crown after a root canal?
Not always. Back teeth, which take the most chewing force, and teeth with little structure left usually benefit from a crown. A front tooth with plenty of structure may only need a filling. Your dentist will explain which applies.
What if my temporary filling falls out?
Call the clinic and book a visit soon. An open tooth can let bacteria in again. In the meantime, keep the area clean and avoid chewing on it.
Is it normal for the bite to feel slightly high?
A little tenderness when biting is common. If the tooth still feels high after a few days, tell your dentist, because a small adjustment to the filling usually fixes it.
Next steps
If you have had a root canal elsewhere and are unsure about aftercare, or you are worried about a tooth that has started to hurt, you can read about root canal treatment or call the clinic on 070320 78789. The clinic is open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Related guides and next steps
These guides from Elite Dental Clinic in Kondapur go into more detail.
- Tooth Pain in Kondapur, Hyderabad
- How Does the Root Canal Treatment Help You?
- How Long is a Root Canal Procedure?
To speak to the team, call 070320 78789 or message the clinic on WhatsApp. Elite Dental Clinic is at 2nd Floor, Artham’s Arcade, above Vijaya Diagnostics, Kondapur, Raghavendra Colony, Kondapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500084, and is open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Sources
- Root canal treatment, NHS
- Outcome of primary root canal treatment: systematic review of the literature, Part 1. Effects of study characteristics on probability of success, International Endodontic Journal, 2007
- Single versus multiple visits for endodontic treatment of permanent teeth, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016
- Quality guidelines for endodontic treatment: consensus report of the European Society of Endodontology, International Endodontic Journal, 2006
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination, and results vary between patients.