The health of a tooth after root canal treatment is linked to care and following advice. The information below is general; personal instructions are given by the dentist.
In the first days
Short-term sensitivity may be seen after treatment. During this period:
- Avoiding heavy load on the treated tooth with hard foods
- Following the dentist’s medicines and advice
- Maintaining oral hygiene
The importance of the final restoration
A root-treated tooth can be more prone to fracture. It is therefore important to complete a final restoration such as a filling or crown in good time.
When to see the dentist
Contact your dentist promptly if you have persistent pain, swelling or a sense of fracture in the tooth.
Frequently asked questions
When can I chew after treatment?
It varies with the dentist’s advice; care with that area may be recommended at first.
Can the tooth colour change?
In some cases discoloration may occur; aesthetic solutions can be evaluated separately.
Are check-ups needed?
Check-ups recommended by the dentist are important for monitoring the tooth and surrounding tissues.
The first days after treatment
Tenderness on chewing for a few days after root canal treatment is considered normal, and avoiding hard foods on that side may be advised. Severe pain, increasing swelling, fever or loss of the temporary filling should be reported to the clinic without waiting for the next appointment.
- Temporarily avoiding hard and sticky foods
- Taking any medication as directed
- Maintaining oral hygiene
- Contacting the clinic early if symptoms increase
Why the final restoration matters
A temporary filling only protects the tooth until the definitive restoration is placed. Delaying the permanent filling or crown increases the risk of leakage and re-infection, so completing the planned restoration on time is important.
Long-term follow-up
Healing of the tissues around the root is monitored radiographically at review appointments. These checks confirm whether the tooth is functioning as expected and allow any problem to be identified early.
Frequently asked questions
What if pain continues?
Persistent or increasing pain needs assessment; the filling, the bite and the surrounding tissues are all reviewed rather than simply continuing pain relief.
Can a root-treated tooth be whitened?
Internal bleaching may be considered for discoloured root-treated teeth, and is assessed case by case.
For the scope of treatment read what is root canal treatment, and see our root canal treatment and dental crowns pages. Further reading: World Health Organization oral health resources.
This article is for general information only and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or treatment by a dentist.