Root canal treatment - Aftercare

If at all possible, you should leave the place of treatment with an escort and refrain from driving that day. For the first few hours after treatment, only water should be imbibed. Alcohol and coffee should be avoided in the days following treatment. Smoking likewise negatively affects the healing process. After every meal, the mouth should be rinsed and the treated area should be cleaned with a cotton swab. When brushing your teeth, be careful to avoid the treated area and brush carefully when close to it. Light physical activity can usually be undertaken two to three days after treatment. Any swelling that may occur can be treated with an icepack. If you dentist has prescribed anti-inflammatory or painkilling medications, be sure to take these in the prescribed dosages.
It should be noted that aftercare activities depend on your individual situation; please speak with your dentist about these in more detail.

Despite the excellent chances for a successful recovery, there may be cases where bacteria remains in the root canal or migrate through side canals into the jawbone, subsequently causing or abetting inflammation. It is therefore necessary to attend root canal treatment check-up sessions regularly in the four years following treatment. This includes clinical examinations as well as assessments made with the aid of x-rays.^{13, 14, 15}