In a root canal procedure, the badly infected pulp from the tooth is removed and the cavity produced as a result is filled with inert materials only to be sealed. Local anesthesia is used and hence is a painless procedure. A root canal procedure will take around half hour to one hour with all the advancements in root canal technology. If the infection is deep-seated the root canal treatment might require two sittings. Here are a few dos and don’ts after a root canal treatment.

Immediately After a Root Canal Treatment Procedure – What to do?

• The numbness caused due to anesthesia is going to persist for a few hours. Keep yourself calm and probably either try and get some sleep or watch television. It is better to take a day off from work and rest though it is possible to attend half-day of office if you have your appointment in the morning time.

Immediately After a Root Canal Treatment Procedure – What NOT to do?

• Do not eat any food until your numbness wears off. Avoid speaking during the phase of having the numbness. Because both these can accidentally make you bite your tongue or cheek because you are still under the effect of local anesthesia.
• After your numbness has worn off, do not eat anything that your dentist has not recommended.
• Do not bite and chew food on the side where root canal treatment has been done. Do not do this until the healing is completed.
• Do not smoke

After a few days of a Root Canal Treatment Procedure – What to do?

• Eat only soft foods as recommended by your dentist
• Continue with your medications as prescribed by your dentist
• Brush your teeth as instructed by your dentist
• If you see any visible swellings in the root canal treated area or anywhere in the mouth, seek help from your dentist immediately.
• If pain persists for more than a few days, seek help from your dentist immediately.
• Get a dental crown or cap as soon as possible as recommended by your dentist.

After a few days of a Root Canal Treatment Procedure – What NOT to do?

• Continue to bite and chew the food on the side where root canal treatment has been done.
• Do not smoke for few more days if you cannot do away with smoking completely because smoking can interfere with the healing process.

Long Term – What to do?

• Keep up with your regular dental appointments as recommended by your dentist.
• Get a dental crown or cap as soon as possible as recommended by your dentist.