Things to Do and Avoid After Getting a Root Canal

So, you have just had a root canal treatment at Dental Clinic Islamabad. What happens next? Your recovery and the long-term success of the treatment depend greatly on how you care for your tooth in the days and weeks that follow. This simple, friendly guide will walk you through exactly what to do and avoid after a root canal, so you can heal comfortably and protect your smile.

What to Expect Right After the Root Canal

Right after the procedure, your mouth will still be numb for a few hours. You may feel some tenderness, mild swelling, or sensitivity when biting down. This is completely normal! The anesthesia will wear off, and any discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by your dentist.

Things you should do after a root canal

Follow these do’s to promote healing and avoid complications:

1. Take Prescribed Medications: If your dentist prescribed antibiotics or pain medication, take them as directed to prevent infection and manage discomfort.
2. Use Pain Relievers as Needed: For mild pain, over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen is usually sufficient.
3. Eat Soft Foods: Stick to a soft diet for the first few days. Think yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, soups, and scrambled eggs.
4. Chew on the Opposite Side: Avoid using the treated tooth for chewing until your dentist places a permanent crown. This protects the temporary filling.
5. Practice Gentle Oral Hygiene: You can and should brush and floss, but be extra gentle around the treated tooth.
6. Use Warm Salt Water Rinses: After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water) 2-3 times a day to reduce swelling and keep the area clean.
7. Get Your Permanent Crown: A root canal weakens the tooth. It’s crucial to return to get your permanent dental crown placed, typically within a few weeks, to prevent the tooth from cracking.
8. Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Don’t skip your check-ups. Your dentist needs to ensure the area is healing properly.

Things you should avoid after a root canal

Avoid these don’ts to prevent setbacks:

1. Don’t Eat Right Away: Wait until the numbness completely wears off to avoid accidentally biting your cheek, tongue, or lip.
2. Avoid Hard, Chewy, or Sticky Foods: For at least a few days, say no to nuts, chips, caramel, gum, and hard candies. They can dislodge the temporary filling or cause pain.
3. Don’t Skip Oral Hygiene: While being gentle, don’t neglect brushing and flossing. Keeping the area clean is key to preventing infection.
4. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking slows healing and increases infection risk. Alcohol can interfere with medications and irritate the area.
5. Don’t Use That Tooth for Chewing: Until it’s fully restored with a crown, treat it as fragile.
6. Avoid Poking the Area: Don’t use your tongue, fingers, or any object to poke at the temporary filling or the treated tooth.
7. Don’t Drink Very Hot or Cold Beverages: The tooth may be sensitive to extreme temperatures for a little while.
8. Avoid Strenuous Activity: Take it easy for the rest of the day. Heavy exercise can increase throbbing or bleeding.

Before and After: What Changes to Expect

Before the Root Canal	After the Root Canal (Healed)
Severe toothache or throbbing pain	No more pain from infection
Sensitivity to hot and cold	Normal temperature sensitivity returns
Pain when chewing or biting	Pain-free chewing (after crown placement)
Swollen or tender gums	Healthy, calm gums
Darkened tooth color	Tooth may be slightly darker; crown will restore color

When to Call Your Dentist at Dental Clinic Islamabad

Some discomfort is normal, but contact us immediately if you experience:

• Severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days
• Visible swelling inside or outside your mouth
• An allergic reaction (rash, hives, itching)
• The temporary filling falls out completely
• The treated tooth feels “high” when you bite down

Recovering from a root canal is straightforward when you know what to do. By following these simple dos and don’ts after a root canal, you will ensure a smooth, quick healing process and enjoy a pain-free, fully functional tooth for years to come. If you have any concerns during your recovery, the team at Dental Clinic Islamabad is always here to help.

Price of Root Canal in Islamabad: 

We offer transparent, all-inclusive pricing for smile makeovers.

Treatment Scope	Estimated Cost Range (PKR)
Root canal (per tooth)	20,000

Factors Affecting the Cost

• Number of Teeth: More teeth mean a higher cost
• Technology Used: Digital smile design and advanced labs
• Clinic Standards: Premium facility with international safety protocols

Why choose Dental Clinic Islamabad for a root canal?

• Expert Cosmetic Dentists: Led by Dr. Usama Hayat with advanced training
• Premium Materials: We use only FDA-approved, medical-grade ceramics
• Natural & Long-Lasting Results: Smiles designed for beauty and durability
• Safe & Sterile Environment: JCI-standard clinic protocols
• Proven Success: Hundreds of satisfied patients with stunning smiles

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