After Root Canal Treatment: What to Do and What to Avoid

Root canal treatment saves a tooth that would otherwise be lost. What you do in the days after treatment matters just as much as the treatment itself.

While the numbness lasts

Local anaesthesia leaves your lips and tongue numb for a few hours. Avoid eating until it wears off so you do not bite your cheek or tongue, and stay away from very hot or very cold food.

Until the permanent filling

• Do not bite hard, shelled foods such as nuts — even a healthy tooth can crack, and a tooth under treatment is more fragile.
• Chew on the other side of your mouth. Temporary fillings can break and damage the surrounding tooth.
• Do not postpone the final restoration, even if the pain has gone. An unfinished tooth can cause bigger problems a few months later.

Can the tooth last a lifetime?

Yes. With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, a treated tooth can be used for life. Regular examinations help us catch any new problem early.