We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How can I Deal with Soreness After a Root Canal?

Nicole Madison
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,311
Share

Pain relievers are often helpful for taking care of soreness after a root canal. If your dentist has prescribed a pain reliever for you, taking it within one hour of leaving his office may help you to avoid pain and soreness. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may prove helpful for this purpose as well. You may also find that eating soft foods, chewing on the opposite side of the mouth, and avoiding eating or drinking foods that are extremely hot or cold may help. Additionally, you may avoid hard brushing in the area until the soreness subsides and use an ice pack to help minimize your discomfort.

One of the best ways to deal with the initial soreness that is common after a root canal is with the use of a pain reliever. Your dentist may prescribe a pain reliever, and taking it within an hour of the root canal procedure may help you to head off discomfort before it begins. If your dentist does not prescribe pain medication for your use, you may relieve soreness with an over-the-counter medication. For example, you may find that acetaminophen or ibuprofen helps you stay comfortable. As with prescription pain medication, you may benefit most if you take it within an hour of the root canal.

In addition to pain medication, taking care with how and what you eat may prove helpful. For example, for the first day or two after a root canal, you may benefit by consuming softer foods that are less likely to irritate your mouth. You may also do well to avoid temperature extremes during the initial days after treatment. In many cases, consuming foods or drinks that are very hot or very cold will only make the soreness you feel worse. Likewise, you may help minimize soreness after a root canal by concentrating on chewing on the side of the mouth that is opposite the one on which you had the root canal.

Sometimes taking external measures may help to relieve soreness after a root canal. For example, you may benefit from applying an ice pack to your cheek. Warm compresses may prove helpful as well.

Overly energetic tooth brushing may make the soreness after a root canal worse. To give your tender gum tissue a chance to heal, you may do well to use a softer, slower brushing technique for the first couple of days after a root canal. You may even consider switching to a softer toothbrush temporarily.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By serenesurface — On Sep 19, 2013

@literally45-- I had soreness for a week after my root canal. If yours lasts more than that, see your dentist because it could be infected. You will need antibiotics in that case.

By ZipLine — On Sep 18, 2013

@literally45-- I'm sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, pain after root canal is unavoidable. It will eventually go away but you will be sore for a while.

Has the dentist recommended a pain reliever? If not, take something like ibuprofen every eight hours. Also, put an ice pack on your cheek, on the side where you had the root canal. This will help with soreness, swelling and pain. You can also take a warm tea bag (not hot) and keep it on top of your teeth for a while.

Try not to eat foods that require chewing. Have things like mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce and smoothies for a few days.

This is exactly what I did when I had my root canal and it really made a difference.

By literally45 — On Sep 18, 2013

I had root canal treatment today. I was fine until a few hours ago because the dentist had numbed me before the treatment. The pain has just kicked in now and the soreness is unbearable.

I'm feeling miserable right now and I can barely speak. I wasn't not expecting so much soreness and pain.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-can-i-deal-with-soreness-after-a-root-canal.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.