10 Tips for a Smooth Recovery After a Root Canal
By Dr. Arvind Sahu, MDS (Prosthodontics)
In the first 24-48 hours
1. Avoid chewing on the treated side until numbness fully wears off, to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. 2. Stick to soft foods for a day or two. 3. Take any medication exactly as advised. 4. Mild soreness is normal; it should ease within a few days.
Protecting the tooth long-term
5. If a crown was recommended, schedule that follow-up — an unprotected root-canal-treated tooth is more prone to cracking. 6. Keep up your regular brushing and flossing routine around the area. 7. Avoid chewing ice or very hard foods on that tooth. 8. Don't skip your check-up visits.
When to call the dentist
9. Pain that worsens instead of easing, or swelling that doesn't settle, is worth a call rather than waiting it out. 10. If a temporary filling falls out before your crown appointment, contact the clinic promptly rather than leaving the tooth exposed.
