Root Canal After Care

Want to know what to expect after treatment? Watch our video with Dr Jonathan Moore

• Will there be pain or numbness after treatment?

  It is common for the treated tooth and surrounding areas to be uncomfortable for up to three days after treatment due to inflammation in the tissues surrounding the tooth. The inflammation may take a few days to settle down and mild analgesics may be required. However, if you experience severe pain, or if your discomfort lasts for more than a few days, you should contact our friendly team. Be aware that some treated teeth may remain tender to bite on for 4-6 weeks and, in a small number of cases, treated teeth can have a slightly different sensation than your other teeth.

• Can I eat/drink after treatment?

  Yes, you can eat and drink after treatment. However, it is important to be careful not to bite or burn your mouth while the numbness wears off. Softer foods are advisable, but not critical, in the first few days following the procedure and while tenderness remains.

• Can I go to work or travel after treatment?

  Yes. Root canal treatment is generally carried out using local anaesthetic, so there is no problem with you going to work or travelling immediately after treatment. If you wish to take a moment before driving, you are more than welcome to enjoy a tea, coffee or water in our waiting room.

  If you have taken any medication prior to treatment or had treatment under general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation, we do require you to be collected by a responsible adult.

• What do I need to do after root canal treatment?

  We recommend the use of Savacol twice a day for two weeks following surgery. As a general rule, the cleaner the surgical site is kept the faster it will heal. The teeth away from the surgical site should be cleaned normally. After 24 hours you can begin extremely gentle brushing of the surgical site.

• Will I need to see my regular dentist again for this tooth?

  It is important that you follow the recommendations of your endodontist, but you will generally need to return to your regular dentist within a month of treatment for a permanent crown or restoration. This will protect the tooth from future infection.

• Do I really need to have a crown?

  Yes, most patients will require a crown or direct restoration to ensure the longevity of your root canal treatment. It is important that you discuss this with your endodontist.

• How long can I leave it before I need to have a crown? How soon can I get the crown done?

  We recommend you have the permanent crown or restoration applied by your dentist within two weeks, but you can have this done sooner if this is convenient for you. If you are going away or are unable to return to your regular dentist within two weeks, please discuss this with your endodontist prior to treatment.

• Does my endodontist do the crown or do I need to go back to my regular dentist?

  You will need to return to your regular dentist for the permanent crown or restoration.

• Will my treated tooth still have feeling?

  Following endodontic treatment, the tooth will no longer have the ability to feel hot and cold, because the tooth will be 'pulpless'. However, the roots will be sitting in a socket which still has nerve and blood supply. As such, you will still have proprioception, ie the awareness and sensation of pressure when you chew on the tooth.

• Because I have had root canal treatment, will my other teeth need treatment too?

  There is no higher risk of your other teeth needing root canal treatment, as a result of this treatment.