If you came across anything about dental care, chances are you’ve likely encountered the term ‘Root Canal’. Root Canal is one of the most commonly performed dental procedures globally to preserve a damaged or infected tooth. And despite the infamous reputation, modern root canal treatments are generally painless, thanks to advanced techniques in 2025.
However, knowing the procedure and what to expect during the recovery period can always make your personal experience much more comfortable. Today, we help you with insights of post root canal treatment, how to recover effectively, and when to seek additional care.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that alleviates pain and saves your natural tooth. It involves treating an infected or inflamed tooth pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) containing nerves and blood vessels. The procedure involves infected tissue being removed, cleaned and disinfecting of the inner canals which prevents future infections.
Once the process is done, the healing and recovery stage sets in. Knowing what to expect during this period is important to manage your discomfort and facilitate a smooth recovery.
What Can One Feel Immediately After a Root Canal?
The first day following your root canal treatment is crucial for essential healing. You might experience mild discomfort as the local anaesthetic wears off. Further, as your body begins the healing process, various sensations are experienced which are entirely normal and typically subside within 72 hours. These symptoms include:
- Sensitivity: First comes the elevated sensitivity as the tooth and surrounding gums may feel tender when pressure is applied. It occurs due to inflammation from the procedure itself.
- Swelling: It is followed by mild swelling around the treated location and slight tenderness when biting or chewing is common.
- Discomfort: Eventually some patients experience mild pain or discomfort as the local anaesthetic wears off progressively. But the good news is that it can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. During your dentist visit, instructions will be provided on managing these symptoms and recommend follow-up care as needed.
- Jaw Stiffness: For few patients, the jaw may feel slightly stiff or sore from keeping your mouth open for prolonged duration during the procedure. However this generally improves within a day or two.
What Can You Do For A Smooth Recovery?
Recovering from a root canal doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By following our tips, you can support the healing process and minimise the discomfort:
- Make Appropriate Dietary Adjustments
Avoid eating until the local anaesthetic wears off to prevent accidental injury. Once the numbness fades, stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yoghurt, or soups. It is important to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored with a crown or permanent filling. This is crucial as coarse or hard food products can potentially dislodge the temporary filling or irritate the area.
- Manage Pain and Sensitivity with Supervision
Post-treatment discomfort is common but manageable. You can experience mild inflammation around the treated area that may cause heightened sensitivity. Here, over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, are typically recommended. And if antibiotics are prescribed, ensure they are taken as directed to prevent lingering infections.
- Rest and Hydrate Sufficiently
Give your body sufficient time to heal by taking it easy for the first 24–48 hours. Staying well hydrated is also crucial to support your recovery
- Maintain Oral Hygiene Diligently
Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the treated area for the first 24 hours. Continue to floss regularly, but be cautious around the treated tooth to avoid unnecessary pressure. Perform gentle flossing around the treated tooth and use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria levels preventing infections.
- Take Pain Relief Medications as an SOS measure
Pain management is an essential part of recovery and we understand that sometimes it can get truly unbearable. Use any prescribed medication or recommended over-the-counter pain relievers to stay comfortable.
- Follow Your Dentist’s Post-Treatment Instructions
Your dentist will provide you with a detailed plan that contains instructions based on your specific case. Also follow-up appointments will help both to track the progress of the healing. It is important to follow these diligently, as they are designed to promote healing and prevent complications.
- Stay Away From Extreme Temperatures
In the days following your root canal treatment, avoid eating or drinking anything too hot or cold. Your tooth may be quite sensitive to extreme temperatures, leading to discomfort or pain. Instead, opt for foods and drinks around room temperature. Following this will minimise discomfort and sensitivity the first few weeks after the root canal.
Additional Measure Post Root Canal
After the root canal treatment, your tooth will likely require a dental crown or permanent filling to restore its strength and functionality. A crown will provide essential reinforcement and prevent the tooth from cracking or breaking under pressure. Your dentist will guide you on the timeline for this final step, which is critical for long-term success.
When to Call Your Dentist
While most root canal recoveries are uneventful, it’s important to monitor your progress and seek help if needed. You should schedule a follow-up visit with your dentist if you experience any of the following:
- If you experience persistent pain that continues for more than a week after your procedure, a follow-up with your dentist will be appropriate as this could indicate a need for further evaluation and treatment.
- Should you notice increasing swelling or redness developing around the treated area, this may require prompt attention as it may signal an unexpected reaction or complication that we should address right away.
- If you develop any signs of infection like fever or an unusual taste in your mouth, it’s important to get in touch immediately since early intervention can prevent more serious complications from developing.
- A loose or damaged temporary filling should be checked as soon as possible, as it’s crucial to protect the treated area and ensure your comfort while waiting for your permanent restoration.
Dentists are plenty but the most important aspect when dealing with such delicate procedures is the gentleness and professionalism during and post the procedure. To find one that provides all in NSW for a dentist appointment can be challenging.
The Gentlest Care For Your Dental Needs
When seeking the best dental care in NSW, you will find us with consistent positive ratings at Your Healthy Smile Dental Clinic. We prioritise personalised care, your comfort and the best expertise to aid your recovery at our St. Clair Dental Clinic branch.
Book your appointment today, because with us, you are in the best hands, quite literally! Click here to let us help you on priority.
FAQs
1. How can I heal faster post root canal?
Applying cold compresses, eating soft and nutritious foods, taking sufficient rest and taking prescribed medication is very helpful.
2. Can I return to work the day after a root canal?
In most cases, patients can return to work or normal activities the next day. However, if your job involves heavy physical exertion, it’s advisable to wait 24–48 hours.
3. What to avoid post root canal?
Don’t chew on the treated side, avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods, refrain from smoking or alcohol as they delay healing, and don’t skip prescribed medications or instructions.