Taking care of your tooth after a root canal is just as important as the procedure itself. At btyDENTAL Washington, we walk patients from Tacoma, Bellevue, Puyallup, and beyond through simple aftercare steps that make a big difference in how they heal.
This guide covers everything you need to know—from what to eat and drink to when it’s safe to work out, drive, or go back to work—so you can recover confidently and comfortably.
What Happens After a Root Canal?
After your root canal, it’s normal to feel some soreness or mild discomfort for a few days. This is part of the root canal aftermath—your body is healing, and the treated tooth may be a little tender, especially when chewing. Some patients also experience jaw stiffness or sensitivity around the injection site.
Your root canal post op instructions will usually include:
- Taking any prescribed antibiotics or pain relievers as directed
- Avoiding chewing on the treated side until the permanent crown is placed
- Eating soft foods for the first few days
- Keeping the area clean with gentle brushing and rinsing
- Getting plenty of rest, especially within the first 24 hours
So, how long should you rest after a root canal? Most people feel well enough to resume normal activities the next day—but it’s a good idea to avoid anything too strenuous until any numbness wears off and the soreness settles.
If you’re looking for more details on how the procedure works and what to expect before and after, check out our guide on root canal treatment in Washington.
Root Canal Aftercare Tips to Help You Heal Faster
Good aftercare helps prevent complications and makes recovery smoother. Here are some practical root canal aftercare tips to follow in the first few days after your procedure:
Rest the Day of the Procedure
Even if you feel fine, give your body a break. Avoid heavy lifting or intense activity within the first 24 hours.
Wait Until Numbness Wears Off Before Eating
This usually takes 1–2 hours. Eating too soon can lead to accidental cheek or tongue bites.
Eat Soft Foods and Chew on the Opposite Side
Stick to easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes, eggs, or yogurt. Avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth until your crown is placed.
Brush and Floss Gently
You can brush the treated tooth, just do it carefully—especially if you have a temporary crown. Use a soft-bristled brush and avoid putting pressure on the area.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Very hot or cold food and drinks may trigger sensitivity. Let your meals cool slightly before eating.
Skip the Straw and Smoking
Suction from straws—and tobacco in general—can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.
Take Medications as Prescribed
If your dentist gave you antibiotics or pain relievers, follow the instructions closely—even if you start feeling better sooner.
Keep Your Follow-Up Appointment
This is when your dentist will check the healing and place your permanent crown. Skipping it leaves your tooth vulnerable to cracks or infection.
Can You Go Back to Work or Drive After a Root Canal?
If you’re wondering whether you can go straight back to work after your root canal, the short answer is—it depends on how you feel. Many patients go to work the next day after a root canal, especially if the procedure was straightforward and there’s minimal soreness.
In some cases, you might even feel well enough to go to work right after a root canal, particularly if you work a desk job or something low-impact. But if your jaw is sore, you’re feeling tired, or you just want to give your body a break, taking the rest of the day off is perfectly reasonable.
As for driving? Most people can drive after a root canal—as long as the procedure was done under local anesthesia only (which is typically the case). Once the numbness wears off and you’re feeling alert, it’s generally safe to get behind the wheel.
If you’re ever unsure, especially if you were prescribed medication or had a more complex treatment, it’s okay to take it slow. Healing looks different for everyone.
For more serious dental issues that might require time off or additional treatment, check out this guide on when to get a tooth extraction.
Can I Brush My Tooth After a Root Canal?
Yes, you can—and should—brush your tooth after a root canal. Keeping the area clean is an important part of the healing process. Just be gentle.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid putting too much pressure on the treated side, especially if the tooth is still a bit tender. If you have a temporary filling or crown, brush around it carefully to avoid dislodging it.
You can also rinse your mouth with warm salt water (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water) to help soothe the area and reduce inflammation. This is especially helpful in the first few days.
As always, follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare—especially if you’re scheduled to come back for a permanent crown soon. The goal is to keep your mouth clean while giving your tooth the chance to heal without irritation.
What to Eat After Your Procedure
Your tooth may feel sensitive for a few days after the procedure, especially if there’s no permanent crown yet. That’s why soft, nourishing foods are your best bet—they’re easier to chew and won’t put extra stress on the treated area.
Soft Foods to Eat After a Root Canal
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of soft foods after a root canal that are safe and satisfying:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled or over-easy eggs
- Oatmeal or cream of wheat
- Smoothies (not too cold)
- Applesauce
- Cooked vegetables (like carrots or squash)
- Noodles or soft pasta
- Yogurt or cottage cheese
- Soups and broths (warm, not hot)
- Fish (soft, flaky types like tilapia or salmon)
These options work well whether you’re eating breakfast, lunch, or planning what to eat after a root canal for dinner.
Best Foods to Eat
In general, aim for foods that are:
- Easy to chew
- Not too hot or cold
- High in protein and vitamins to support healing
- Low in sugar to avoid irritation
You’ll also want to chew on the opposite side of your mouth and avoid anything too sticky or crunchy until your dentist places the final crown.
Can I Eat Bread, Noodles, or Before the Crown is Placed?
It’s totally normal to wonder what foods are safe between your root canal and your follow-up crown appointment. The key is choosing items that are soft, low-risk, and easy to chew.
Can I eat noodles after a root canal?
Yes—soft noodles are a great choice. Just avoid anything al dente or chewy, and steer clear of extra-hot sauces that might trigger sensitivity.
Can I eat bread after a root canal?
You can, but pick soft, crust-free options like white sandwich bread or rolls. Avoid hard, toasted, or crusty breads until your crown is placed to prevent putting stress on the treated tooth.
Can I eat after a root canal before the crown?
Yes—just be cautious. Root canal eating afterwards is all about protecting the tooth until the final restoration is complete. Stick to softer foods, chew on the opposite side, and avoid biting down hard on the temporary filling or crown.
What Not to Eat or Drink After Your Procedure
When it comes to root canal aftercare, what you don’t eat matters just as much as what you do. The goal is to avoid irritating the treated area or damaging the temporary filling or crown.
Foods to Avoid After a Root Canal:
- Hard or crunchy foods (nuts, chips, raw carrots)
- Sticky foods (caramel, taffy, gum)
- Very hot or cold items (ice cream, piping-hot soup)
- Chewy bread or tough meat
- Sugary snacks or soda
All of these can put pressure on your healing tooth or cause discomfort—especially in the first few days.
How Long to Wait to Eat After a Root Canal?
You should wait until the numbness fully wears off before eating—usually about 1–2 hours after the procedure. This helps you avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
Can I drink cold water or hot drinks right after?
It’s best to wait a few hours, and then start with room temperature drinks. Avoid cold drinks immediately after a root canal, as they can trigger sensitivity. Drinking after a root canal is okay, but skip alcohol and super acidic drinks until you’re fully healed.
For patients concerned about costs related to follow-up care like crowns, extractions, or emergency dental visits, here are some helpful reads:
- How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost in Washington?
- Payment Options for Dental Extraction in Washington
- Does Insurance Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal in Washington?
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost in Washington
Can I Drink Coffee After a Root Canal?
Yes, you can—but timing matters. Drinking coffee after a root canal is fine once the numbness wears off and you’re not feeling overly sensitive. That said, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
If your tooth is still tender or the temporary filling hasn’t fully set, hot drinks like coffee might cause some discomfort. Try waiting at least a few hours post-treatment, and go for warm (not piping hot) coffee the first day or two.
Also, avoid sipping through a straw, especially if there was any minor swelling or bleeding. It’s always safest to ease back into your regular habits and stick with milder options at first.
If you’re unsure, your dentist can give you the green light based on how your treatment went and whether you’ve received a temporary or permanent crown.
Considering Other Options Besides a Root Canal?
Root canals are often the best way to save a natural tooth—but they’re not always the only option. In cases where a tooth is too damaged or reinfection occurs, your dentist might recommend an extraction followed by a replacement option like a denture or dental implant.
If you’re weighing your choices or wondering what might be best long term, this guide on dentures vs. implants breaks it down clearly—costs, pros and cons, and how each option fits into a full smile restoration plan.
Root Canal Aftercare Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
To recap:
- Stick to soft foods and avoid anything sticky or crunchy
- Rest up and avoid intense activity for a day or two
- Be gentle with brushing and avoid chewing on the treated side
- Wait until numbness wears off before eating or drinking
- Ease back into your routine—including coffee, work, and workouts—at your own pace
At btyDENTAL Washington, we help patients across Tacoma, Bellevue, Puyallup, and surrounding areas feel confident every step of the way—from treatment to full recovery.
If you have questions or need help after your root canal, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make your healing process smoother.
