---
title: Root Canal Aftercare | Maroubra Dental Clinic
description: What happens between root canal appointments, how to manage discomfort, and why the crown that finishes the treatment comes one to two months later.
---

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> # After Care: Root Canal Treatment
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Please follow these steps to ensure that your tooth is well healed and reduce any possible post-operative pain:

> ##### *There are roughly THREE stages in a root canal treatment and you have only just got rid of the majority of the pain by taking the first step and it is not yet complete.*
> 
> ##### *If you do not come back for further appointments, the root will get re-infected and YOU WILL HAVE TO RESTART STEP ONE WITH A SEPARATE CHARGE.*

## Note the general sequence of root canal are as follows:

1. Take the nerves out and put medicine in the canals and/or draining the pus out -\> **This will get rid of the majority of the pain, you will feel better, but the treatment is not yet complete!**
2. Deep cleaning with precise measurements to the ends of the tooth root
3. Fill the root canal and your crown (the part where you bite on foods) with large white filling (**medium term restoration**)
4. Placement of a long-term restoration, such as a [crown](https://maroubradentalclinic.com.au/services/maroubra-crowns), in 1-2 months' time.

## Do

\+ **Liberally use ice packs** on cheek area for the next few days  
\+ **Take painkillers** (details below), especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen and painkillers like paracetamol to **reduce expected inflammation and pain**  
\+ Brush your teeth as normal  
\+ Eat and drink as normal as possible after the numbness has worn off  
\+ Take the prescribed medicines  
\+ Plan and get a long term restoration such as a crown after root canal. (If you don't tooth will **easily break** with the only option being [extraction](https://maroubradentalclinic.com.au/services/maroubra-extractions))

 

## Don't

\- Bite on hard or sticky foods that may damage your fillings (such as nuts and bones)  
\- Bottle tricks  
\- Eat until the numbness has completely worn off (if you are hungry it is recommended to have liquids instead in this period).  
\- Leave things as is and not finish your root canal (temporary fillings usually do not last for more than 1-2 months)

 

## Expect

- Temporary fillings will be placed in your mouth up until the final stage. Between appointments it is common (and not a problem) for a small portion of your temporary filling to wear away or break off
- Some persistent swelling and soreness around the region for the next 2-3 days before it goes away. The degree of sensation will vary from person to person, some may not feel it at all, and others may mistake it as pain.
- Prolonged numbness for a few hours due to the local anaesthetic. Lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment.

Recommended ways to take your painkillers:

**Mild** pain (niggling sensation, discomfort but a bit annoying):  
2x 500mg of Panadol/paracetamol **3-4 times** a day

**Moderate** pain (starting to affect eating, slight sleep disturbances, bearable but uncomfortable)  
2x 500mg of Panadol/paracetamol or panadine forte **PLUS** 2x 200mg Neurofen/ibuprofen **3-4 times** a day.

**Severe**: contact us and we will advise you on what to take

*Based on the* [*The Oxford League Table of Analgesic Efficacy*](http://www.bandolier.org.uk/booth/painpag/Acutrev/Analgesics/lftab.html) *and the* [*WHO analgesic ladder*](https://www.cfp.ca/content/56/6/514)

We wish you all the best from your recovery! Please do not hesitate to [contact our office](https://maroubradentalclinic.com.au/contact) if you have any questions

 

## To buy list

- Paracetamol (Panadol) -\> buy the cheapest one available, makes no difference to buy the branded version
- Ibuprofen (Neurofen) -\> buy the cheapest one available, makes no difference to buy the branded version
- Ice pack (if you don’t frozen peas wrapped in a cloth would be fine)
- Ice cubes (make some in the fridge)
- Ice cream (why not)
- Any other medicines that we have prescribed for you

 

[← All patient aftercare guides](https://maroubradentalclinic.com.au/resources)

### Need to talk to someone or ready to go?

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#### OPENING HOURS

| Monday | 9am to 6pm |
| --- | --- |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 9am to 6pm |
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| Saturday | Closed |
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