After root canal treatment
Detailed recommendations for patients after endodontic treatment (root canal treatment).
Patient guide
These are general recommendations after root canal treatment. Individual instructions from your doctor always take priority.
Key points
- Do not eat until the anesthesia has completely worn off to avoid biting your lip or cheek.
- During the first 24 hours, avoid very hard foods on the treated side.
- Moderate pain when biting may occur for 2–7 days.
- If a temporary filling is placed, protect it from excessive load.
- Do not miss the appointment for permanent restoration.
- Take pain medication only as recommended by your doctor.
- Contact the clinic if pain, swelling, or fever increases.
Recovery plan
First 2–3 hours
- Do not eat until the anesthesia has worn off.
- Drink cool water in small sips.
First 24 hours
- Avoid very hard foods on the treated side.
- Pain when biting may occur.
- If the filling is temporary, avoid loading the tooth.
Days 2–7
- Soreness should gradually decrease.
- Continue regular oral hygiene.
- If pain increases or swelling appears, inform your doctor.
After root canal treatment, it is important to restore the tooth with a permanent filling or crown within the recommended timeframe.
What you can and cannot do
| YOU CAN | YOU SHOULD NOT |
|---|---|
| Drink water in small sips | Eat before the anesthesia has worn off |
| Eat soft foods during the first day | Chew hard foods on the treated side |
| Brush teeth with a soft toothbrush | Ignore a temporary filling or delay follow-up visits |
| Take pain relievers as recommended by your doctor | Pick at the filling with toothpicks or objects |
If sharp pain, swelling, or a feeling that the filling is “too high” occurs after root canal treatment, adjustment is required.
Normal reactions after root canal treatment
Pain when biting
Moderate pain when biting may last up to 7 days and should gradually decrease.
Sensitivity
Mild sensitivity after the procedure is acceptable.
Feeling of a “new” filling
A new filling may feel unusual during the first days — this is normal.
When to contact your doctor urgently
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if:
- pain increases and does not subside after 5–7 days
- swelling of the gum or cheek appears
- body temperature rises above 38 °C
- pain is sharp, throbbing, or interferes with sleep
- the temporary filling falls out
Frequently asked questions
After the anesthesia has worn off, usually after 2–3 hours.
The tissues around the root respond to treatment. This usually resolves within a week.
If the tooth is significantly damaged, your doctor may recommend a crown for protection.
Recommended medications
Pain relievers
Take only as directed by your doctor and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Follow individual recommendations regarding the timing and method of final tooth restoration.
