Root Canal Aftercare

What is Normal

After Your Root Canal

Some discomfort after root canal treatment is completely normal and expected.

Soreness

Tenderness around the treated tooth for 2–5 days is normal. It should improve each day.

Numbness

Your mouth may remain numb for 2–4 hours after the procedure. Avoid eating until feeling returns.

Eating

Avoid chewing on the treated side until your permanent crown is placed to protect the tooth.

Recovery Instructions

What to Do After Treatment

Take pain relief as prescribed or as directed on the packaging. Ibuprofen is often effective for post-procedure inflammation.
Avoid chewing on the treated side until your crown or permanent restoration is in place.
Continue brushing and flossing normally, including around the treated tooth.
Attend your follow-up crown appointment promptly — an unprotected root-canal-treated tooth is vulnerable to fracture.
If you were prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course.

Most patients feel back to normal within 3–5 days. Some sensitivity can persist for a couple of weeks but should steadily improve.

Yes — a crown is strongly recommended after root canal treatment, especially on back teeth. Without it, the tooth is significantly more likely to fracture.

Yes. The tooth will no longer have a nerve, so it will not respond to temperature the same way. Some patients describe it as feeling slightly different when biting — this is normal.

Call us if you notice

Severe or worsening pain after the first few days
Swelling that is increasing rather than improving
Fever or feeling generally unwell
The restoration feels loose, broken or very high when biting
Any symptom that concerns you — never hesitate to call

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Important Information

The guidance on this page is intended for general educational purposes and for patients of Grove Court Dental Care. It is not a substitute for direct professional evaluation, diagnosis or treatment.

If you have ongoing symptoms, significant pain, swelling, or any concern about your oral health, please contact our office directly or consult a registered dentist. Do not rely solely on written guidance when your condition is changing or uncertain.

Please do not submit detailed clinical, medical, or confidential information through website forms or general communication channels. For sensitive matters, contact us directly by phone, email, or in person.