27 Jul How to Take Care of Yourself After a Root Canal
A root canal procedure can save your tooth, but it’s no walk in the park. Although it’s a routine treatment, a root canal is still a fairly invasive procedure and you may need some time to recover.
Inflammation from the procedure usually peaks about a day after treatment, not right when you leave the chair. Knowing that ahead of time makes self care after a root canal a lot less stressful, because most of what you’re dealing with is simply riding out that first 24 to 48 hours.
Is It Normal to Have Pain After a Root Canal?
While you shouldn’t feel any pain in your tooth, your gums might be tender and painful.
Your tooth just had the infected pulp removed and the root canal cleaned out and sealed up. That’s real work for the tissue around it, and the swelling may get worse before it starts to get better. So don’t worry if day two feels rougher than day one—your body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.
Don’t skip brushing and flossing, even if the area is still tender and sore. Just be gentle and extra careful while your gums are still healing. Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen on a schedule (every six hours) should relieve any pain. Most people find the second day is the peak, and it’s smoother from there.
How Long Does It Take to Heal After a Root Canal?
Most people are back to normal within a week, though molars can take a bit longer than front teeth since they have more roots to treat. If your pain lasts more than seven days, let your dentist know. If you don’t have a followup appointment scheduled, they should be checking in with you by phone after a week has passed.
Signs That Something Isn’t Right
Most recoveries are uneventful, but call your dentist if:
- The pain gets worse instead of better after day three
- You notice swelling spreading toward your face or neck
- A fever shows up
These symptoms match what’s described as an endodontic flare-up, and treating it as soon as possible is essential.
Should I Eat Soft Foods After a Root Canal?
It’s a good idea to stick to soft foods for at least the first day. Your mouth needs a break from heavy chewing, especially on that side. Skip anything crunchy, sticky, or extremely hot until the numbness is fully gone. Once the soreness fades, easing back into normal meals is fine.
Soft foods are one of the simplest forms of self care after a root canal, since they take pressure off a tooth that’s still healing.
For breakfast:
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Peanut butter banana smoothie
- Overnight oats
For lunch or dinner:
- Mashed potatoes
- Refried beans with salsa & avocado
- Macaroni & cheese
- Blended soups (like butternut squash or tomato)
Don’t Forget to Stay Hydrated While You’re Healing
One thing people often forget about living in Prescott is how dry our air is. The higher altitude and desert climate pull moisture out of your body faster than you’d expect, and even mild dehydration can make the healing process take longer. Keep your water bottle handy for the first few days, or stock up on your favorite electrolyte drinks.
Dentist in Prescott
If you’re looking for a local dentist in Prescott, Hicks Dental Group is family-owned and operated, and our team of experienced dentists, hygienists, and support staff are here to ensure you get the very best oral care. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our practice, or to schedule your first appointment.
Photo by Michael Lee on Unsplash with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 6/30/26.