Root Canal Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for root canal: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Why a Crown Is Needed
- •Root canal removes the nerve, making the tooth more brittle
- •A crown protects the tooth from cracking under normal chewing
- •Delaying the crown risks losing the tooth entirely
Root Canal recovery, day by day
After the Procedure
- Numbness will wear off in 2-4 hours
- Do NOT eat until numbness is completely gone (risk of biting yourself)
- Some tenderness when biting is completely normal
Temporary Filling Care
- A temporary filling or crown has been placed
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown
- Do not eat sticky, hard, or chewy foods on that side
Pain Management
- Over-the-counter ibuprofen is usually sufficient
- Take medication with food
- Pain should be mild to moderate, not severe
What to Expect
- The tooth may feel slightly different or tender when biting
- Gum tissue around the tooth may be sore from the procedure
- This is normal inflammation and will resolve
Oral Care
- Brush and floss normally, but be gentle around the treated tooth
- Salt water rinses can soothe gum irritation
- Do NOT apply aspirin directly to gums
Recovery & Crown
- Pain should be fully resolved
- Schedule your permanent crown within 2-4 weeks
- The tooth is weakened without a crown and could crack
- Contact us if pain returns or the temporary filling falls out
Medications you may be given
Ibuprofen 600mg
Take 1 tablet 3 times daily with food
Always follow the exact directions your own provider gives you. This is general information, not a prescription.
When to call your provider or 911
- •Severe pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medication
- •Visible swelling of the face, gums, or jaw
- •Temporary filling or crown falls out
- •Allergic reaction to prescribed medication
- •Fever above 101°F
- •Bite feels significantly uneven
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 3
Tenderness resolves
Mild soreness when biting should improve over the next few days
- Day 7
Schedule permanent crown
Crown placement within 2-4 weeks to protect the treated tooth
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
QR Rx sends this exact root canal recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
HIPAA compliant. No credit card. Cancel anytime.