Congratulations — your root canal is done, and you've saved your natural tooth. Now let's make sure your recovery goes smoothly. Here's exactly what I tell my patients at Dr. Muller Dentistry after their procedure.
The First 24–48 Hours
It's completely normal to have some mild soreness around the treated tooth for a day or two after the freezing wears off. Think of it like a bruise — the area has been worked on and needs time to settle. Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually all you need. Most patients tell me the discomfort is far less than the toothache that brought them in.
What to Eat
Stick to softer foods for the first day or two — soups, pasta, scrambled eggs, yogurt, smoothies. Avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth, especially if you have a temporary filling. Once your permanent crown is placed, you can eat normally on that tooth again.
Keep Up Your Oral Hygiene
You can (and should) continue brushing and flossing normally. Just be gentle around the treated area for the first couple of days. Don't skip brushing — keeping the area clean is one of the best things you can do for healing.
What to Watch For
While complications after a root canal are uncommon, call us if you experience any of the following:
• Significant swelling that gets worse after 48 hours
• Severe pain that isn't responding to over-the-counter medication
• Your bite feels uneven or the treated tooth feels "high" when you close your mouth
• The temporary filling falls out — this isn't an emergency, but call us to get it replaced promptly
• A visible rash or allergic reaction (very rare, but worth mentioning)
Get Your Crown
This is the most important aftercare step and the one patients most often delay. If your treated tooth needs a crown (which most back teeth do), please don't put it off. A root-canal-treated tooth without a crown is fragile — it can crack or fracture from normal chewing. I've seen patients lose teeth they spent time and money saving simply because they waited too long for the crown. Book your crown appointment before you leave our office if you can.
Long-Term Outlook
A properly treated and crowned tooth can last the rest of your life. Continue with your regular cleanings and checkups every six months so we can monitor the tooth over time. Root canal success rates are above 95% — it's one of the most predictable procedures in all of dentistry.
If you have any questions during your recovery, don't hesitate to call our office at (709) 400-7474. We're always happy to hear from you, even if it's just for reassurance. That's what we're here for.
Need Root Canal Therapy?
Dr. Muller and the team are here to help. Book an appointment at our St. John's office.
