How to Protect Your Tooth After a Root Canal

A root canal saves a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. It’s a common dental treatment, with around 8% of adults having at least one root-filled tooth.

We regularly perform root canals at Llanos Dental Group to help patients avoid the need for extractions.

What to expect during a root canal

When a tooth becomes infected or the pulp (inner tissue) is injured, it can cause pain, swelling, and sensitivity. A root canal treats the inside of a damaged tooth.

During the procedure, Dr. Llanos:

Numbs the area so you’re comfortable
Removes the damaged pulp
Cleans the inside of the tooth
Fills the space with a special material and seals it

This process relieves pain and saves your natural tooth from requiring extraction.

After a root canal, it’s essential to take a few extra steps to protect your tooth and avoid future problems.

Step 1: Immediate self-care after the procedure

It’s normal to feel some mild discomfort or tenderness for a few days after a root canal. You may also notice your jaw feels sore from keeping your mouth open during the procedure.

Here’s how to help your mouth heal:

Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen if needed
Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored
Stick to soft foods for the next few days
Call the office if you notice swelling, a fever, or worsening pain

Healing usually goes smoothly, but it’s essential to follow instructions closely.

Step 2: Tooth restoration

After a root canal, the next step is restoring your tooth with either a crown or a permanent filling. This protects the tooth from cracking or becoming re-infected.

Cleaning and sealing the tooth removes harmful bacteria, but it can become more brittle and prone to damage over time. That’s why protecting it afterward is so vital.

A filling might be fine for some teeth. However, a crown is best when the tooth needs extra strength or will be visible, because it covers the entire tooth, restoring both its function and appearance. For example, molars have to withstand considerable chewing pressure, so they require the protection a crown provides.

Skipping this step leaves the tooth vulnerable, even if it feels fine at the time. Studies show that protecting the tooth with a quality restoration significantly improves patient outcomes for 18 years or more.

Step 3: Keep your restored tooth strong

Once your crown or filling is in place, your tooth is ready to function normally. However, maintaining a healthy smile still requires some effort.

Here’s what you can do:

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Floss once a day to clean around the restoration and gums
Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night
Avoid sugary snacks and drinks to lower your risk of decay

You should also avoid hard foods and habits like chewing ice, biting pens, or using your teeth to open things.

Step 4: Stay on track with regular dental visits

Regularly visiting the dentist is the best way to catch minor issues before they develop into major problems. Dr. Llanos ensures each patient has a clear plan for follow-up care and schedules restoration appointments promptly.

She also encourages routine dental checkups and cleanings. These visits help her detect any problems early and keep your teeth, gums, and restorations in top shape.

Why it’s not worth neglecting post-root canal care

Neglecting your tooth after a root canal can lead to serious problems. If you delay or skip the crown, or don’t follow up with good everyday care, the tooth can crack or break.

In some cases, bacteria can sneak back in, causing a new infection. This may require another root canal or even an extraction.

Dr. Llanos stresses that prevention is much easier (and more affordable) than dealing with complications later. Taking the time to protect your teeth now can help you avoid pain, costs, and additional dental work down the road.

Need help after a root canal? We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need a crown, a checkup, or have questions about healing after a root canal, we’re ready to help protect your smile for years to come.

Call Llanos Dental Group today or use the online inquiry form to get in touch.