Root Canal After Care: What to Do (and Avoid) for a Smooth Recovery

A root canal can save your natural tooth, but proper aftercare is essential for healing and preventing complications. Here’s what you need to know — from eating and driving to hygiene and long-term care.

Immediately After Your Root Canal

Right after the procedure, your mouth will still be numb. Avoid eating or drinking until the numbness wears off (usually in 2–4 hours) to prevent accidentally biting your tongue or cheek.

• Rest for the day; avoid intense activities.
• Don’t touch or poke the treated tooth.If sedation was used, arrange a ride home — don’t drive yourself.
• Mild discomfort or pressure is normal and can be managed with pain relief. 

Amir’s Story at Hemlock Dentistry

Amir came to Hemlock Dentistry feeling anxious about his root canal treatment and uncertain about the future. However, the experience turned out to be smooth and painless — and soon he was smiling again with ease and confidence. During the procedure, Dr Alavi and his team thoroughly explained the aftercare instructions to Amir, which helped him feel calm and reassured.

Can You Eat After a Root Canal?

Yes, but timing and food choice matter.

• Wait until numbness fully fades.
• Choose soft foods: mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs, smoothies.
• Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hot foods for 24–48 hours.
• Chew on the opposite side of your mouth.

Proper eating habits protect the treated area and promote healing, talk with your endodontist in Vancouver BC about the best diet after root canal therapy.

Can You Drive After a Root Canal?

This depends on the type of anesthesia used.

• If you only had local anesthesia, it’s generally safe to drive.
• If you were given oral or IV sedation, do not drive. Have someone accompany you or arrange a ride.

When in doubt, ask your dental provider before leaving the clinic.

Can You Smoke After a Root Canal?

Smoking can seriously hinder your recovery.

• Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours.
• Smoking restricts blood flow, delays healing, and increases the risk of infection.
• It can also irritate the treated area and cause pain.

For best results, wait even longer—or use this as an opportunity to quit.

Over the Next Few Days for root canal after care

As part of your root canal aftercare, it’s common to feel mild pain, swelling, or pressure for a few days. Follow these care tips to ease discomfort and protect your tooth.

• Take OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (as advised by your dentist).
• Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling
• Avoid hard or chewy foods until the area heals.
• Keep the area clean, but brush gently.
• Don’t skip meals — healing requires good nutrition.

If your dental pain after root canal worsens or swelling increases, contact your dentist.

Oral Hygiene

You can and should maintain your oral hygiene routine — just go easy near the treated tooth.

• Brush with a soft-bristled brush twice daily.
• Floss gently and avoid snapping the floss near the treated tooth.
• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to soothe the area (½ tsp salt in 1 cup water).
• Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash during the first few days.

Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent reinfection.

Long-Term Aftercare and Crowns

After healing, a permanent restoration is often necessary.

• Most back teeth will need a dental crown to protect against cracks and restore function.
• Front teeth may need only a filling, depending on their condition.
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or anything that might damage the restored tooth.

If left uncrowned, treated teeth—especially molars—can fracture or fail over time. When you do root canal without crown, your teeth are very vulnerable.

Learn more: Do You Need a Crown After a Root Canal?

Final Tip: Listen to Your Tooth