Root Canal Recovery Tips: How to Minimize Pain and Speed Up Healing 

A root canal is a dental procedure that relieves pain and restores the health and comfort of your tooth. But like any other dental treatment, it takes some time to heal. Patients may only feel mild discomfort after a root canal. If you know the right way to take care of your tooth after treatment, you can heal quickly. Let’s learn simple root canal recovery tips to minimize pain and enjoy long-term oral health. 

What to expect after root canal treatment 

After a root canal, your mouth needs a little time to adjust. This is because the treatment gently cleans and restores the inside of the tooth. Because of this, nearby tissues may take a short while to get back to normal condition. After the treatment, you may notice: 

• Slight soreness around the tooth or jaw 
• Short-term tenderness when biting or chewing 
• Minor swelling near the treated area 
• Numbness soon after the visit due to pain management 

These effects are temporary and get better as your mouth heals naturally. But, if you feel any sort of unusual discomfort, contact your dental care team without delay. 

5 root canal recovery tips to reduce pain and swelling 

Although it takes only a few weeks for your tooth to heal after a root canal, here are five key tips to make sure your healing journey goes smoothly:¹  

Follow post-treatment instructions 

Your dental care provider may give specific aftercare directions based on your treatment to prevent reinfection. So, be sure to: 

• Take any prescribed medication exactly as directed on time 
• Avoid chewing on the treated side until your dentist confirms it’s ready 
• Go to your follow-up visits so your dentist can check how you’re healing 

Manage discomfort 

You could feel mild soreness for the first few days. To overcome this, try over-the-counter pain relievers (only if your dentist suggests) as it helps reduce discomfort. A cool compress on your cheek can also reduce swelling and bring relief. However, consult your dentist if pain becomes intense with time. 

Keep the area clean 

Maintaining good oral hygiene speeds up healing and prevents bacteria from entering the treated tooth. So, brush and floss gently, but be careful around the treated tooth.²

Be gentle with your tooth 

Until your final restoration is complete, treat the area with care. To protect your tooth and avoid irritation: 

• Chew on the opposite side of your mouth 
• Choose soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies 
• Wait to eat hard or crunchy foods until your dentist advises you to do so 

Avoid certain habits during recovery 

Some everyday habits may slow down your body’s natural healing capability. So, for a smoother recovery: 

• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products 
• Limit alcohol consumption 
• Skip using straws, since suction can affect the treated area 

When to contact your dentist during recovery 

You may feel better within a few days after a root canal, but everyone heals differently. Sometimes recovery improves steadily with time, and other times, you may not feel quite right. That’s why you should pay attention to how your mouth feels and contact your dental care team if you notice: 

• Discomfort that increases with time instead of getting better 
• Swelling that doesn’t go away after a few days 
• Difficulty closing your mouth comfortably 

In such situations, it’s best to promptly communicate with your dentist because they can guide you properly. This can also give you peace of mind as your mouth heals. 

Follow-up care after treatment  

After your treatment, your dentist may recommend a return visit to confirm that your tooth is healing as expected and to complete the final steps of your care. In many cases, a temporary filling is placed after the procedure to protect the tooth while it heals.³ That’s why a second visit may be needed for restoration. But if you have any questions about the treatment process, including the root canal cost, the time it will take, and post-treatment care, ask your care provider before getting started. 

Your commitment supports successful root canal healing 

If you follow this care routine after root canal treatment, you’ll heal more comfortably and keep your teeth feeling their best. In fact, doing proper care means your treated tooth may last a lifetime.⁴  It’s also normal to feel a little sensitivity while you recover, but if any discomfort seems to increase, reach out to your dentist for guidance and support.