What's normal
Your tooth may feel sore, tender to bite on, or a little different from your other teeth for several days, and sometimes a few weeks. The gums around it can be tender too. Mild to moderate soreness that slowly gets better is normal. Your lips, cheek and tongue may stay numb for a few hours.
Easing discomfort
If your doctor says it's safe for you, an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, taken as directed on the label, usually works well. If we prescribed an antibiotic or other medicine, take all of it exactly as directed. Warm salt-water rinses (1 teaspoon salt in 8 oz water) a few times a day can soothe sore gums.
Eating and chewing
Wait until the numbness is gone before you eat or drink anything hot, so you don't bite your cheek or tongue. Don't chew on the treated tooth until it's fully restored. For the first few days, stick to soft foods on the other side, and avoid hard, crunchy, sticky or chewy foods such as ice, nuts, gum and caramel.
Your temporary filling or crown
The temporary protects your tooth and the cleaned canals until your permanent restoration is ready. It isn't made to last. Brush as usual, but floss gently: slide the floss out sideways instead of pulling it up. If the temporary feels loose, breaks or comes out, call us and bring any pieces.
Your final restoration
A root canal cleans and seals the inside of the tooth. It doesn't make the outside stronger. A treated tooth can crack or become re-infected if it isn't permanently restored, so please schedule your final crown or filling as soon as we recommend, even if the tooth feels fine.
Long-term care
Once it's restored, a tooth with a root canal can last for many years with brushing twice a day, flossing daily and regular checkups. We may ask you to come back so we can check that it's healing well.
Call us if you have:
- Severe pain, or pain that gets worse or isn't improving after a few days
- Swelling in your gums or face
- A fever or chills
- A bad taste or pus near the tooth
- A bite that feels high or uneven
- A rash or other reaction to a medicine
- A temporary filling or crown that is loose, broken or missing
If swelling spreads toward your eye or neck, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Looking for instructions for another treatment? Post-op instructions
Questions or concerns?
Call us and we'll help.
(817) 237-9701
6717 Telephone Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76135
Email: office@bemisfamilydental.com
Last updated October 2026. These are general instructions; if your doctor gave you different directions, follow those.