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Dentistry Finishing your root canal appointment can feel like the end of the process.
But there are still a few things you need to know.
Your mouth may remain numb for a while. Your tooth may feel different. You may need another restoration. And if you’ve seen a Specialist Endodontist rather than your usual dentist, you may be wondering who looks after the tooth next.
Here’s what to expect.
The local anaesthetic used during treatment may continue to numb your mouth after you leave the practice.
You may therefore notice altered sensation in your:
depending on which tooth has been treated.
Be careful while sensation is returning and follow the eating and drinking advice given by your clinician.
Some tenderness can occur following root canal treatment.
The NHS advises that the area around the tooth may feel sore or swollen and that this should improve.
The amount people experience varies.
Your clinician will give you aftercare advice appropriate to your treatment.
If you’re worried about your symptoms, contact the practice.
Follow the advice you’re given at your appointment.
In particular, be cautious while your mouth remains numb because it is easier to accidentally bite your cheek, lip or tongue.
There may also be specific advice about the tooth itself if you have a temporary restoration or are waiting for further restorative treatment.
Good oral hygiene remains important.
Unless your clinician has given you different instructions because of the treatment you’ve received, continue cleaning your teeth appropriately.
Take care around an area that feels tender and follow any specific instructions you have been given.
Root canal treatment deals with the inside of the tooth.
The outside still needs to be restored so that the tooth can function appropriately.
The restoration required depends on factors including:
Depending on your circumstances, the tooth may require a filling, onlay, crown or another appropriate restoration.
The NHS notes that a crown may be needed after root canal treatment in some cases.
No.
The appropriate restoration depends on the individual tooth.
Your dentist or endodontist should explain what is recommended and why.
That depends on the treatment plan.
If your own dentist referred you to Dr Alex Brett, Specialist Endodontist, you may return to your dentist for the restorative part of your treatment.
If you’re an Evolve patient, the appropriate clinician at Evolve may manage that stage.
The important thing is that you know who is responsible for the next step before the endodontic part of your treatment is considered complete.
You may.
Your clinician will tell you whether the tooth needs review and when.
Follow-up may help assess how the tooth and surrounding tissues are progressing after treatment.
Keep any recommended review appointments even if the tooth feels completely normal.
There isn’t a meaningful single number we can promise for an individual tooth.
Its future depends on much more than the root canal treatment alone.
Factors include:
No root canal treatment comes with a guarantee that the tooth will remain indefinitely.
Follow the specific advice your clinician gives you.
If the tooth has a temporary restoration or is waiting for its final restoration, you may be advised to take particular care with it.
Once treatment and restoration are complete, your dentist can advise you about normal function.
Rather than relying on an internet checklist to decide whether something is “normal”, contact us if you’re concerned.
In particular, if symptoms are significant, worsening or different from what you were told to expect, it is sensible to seek advice.
If Alex has treated you and you normally attend another dentist, we’ll explain who to contact for different aspects of your care.
A previously root-treated tooth can sometimes develop a new or persistent problem.
This doesn’t automatically mean it needs to be extracted.
It does mean the tooth should be assessed.
Possible options may include retreatment or another approach depending on the cause and condition of the tooth.
Read: My root canal hasn’t worked – can my tooth still be treated?
Experiences vary. Some tenderness can occur after treatment and should generally improve. Contact your clinician if you’re concerned about the severity or progression of your symptoms.
Many people return to normal activities, but individual circumstances and treatment vary. Ask your clinician if you’re unsure.
Follow the advice you’ve been given, particularly while your mouth remains numb. Take care with hot drinks until normal sensation has returned.
Your clinician can advise you based on the treatment you’ve received and how you’re feeling afterwards.
Contact the dental practice for advice rather than waiting until your next appointment without telling anyone.
Read: What happens during root canal treatment?
Or download:
Your guide to root canal treatment – what it means, what to expect and understanding your options
Root canal treatment doesn’t end when the root canals have been filled. An appropriate restoration and ongoing dental care are important parts of looking after your tooth.
At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we provide general root canal treatment and specialist endodontic care with Dr Alex Brett.
If you’ve been referred by another dentist, we’ll explain the next steps and coordinate with your usual dental practice, where appropriate, so you know who will be responsible for restoring and looking after your tooth.
You can also contact us directly if you’re considering specialist endodontic treatment.
Looking after your tooth following root canal treatment is an important part of your recovery.
At Evolve Dentistry, our Specialist Endodontist, Alex Brett, provides patients with personalised aftercare advice based on their treatment and individual needs.
It’s normal to experience some tenderness following treatment, but if you’re concerned about your recovery, experience increasing pain or notice unusual swelling, it’s important to contact your dentist for advice.
Following your recommended aftercare instructions and attending any necessary follow-up appointments will help support your recovery and the long-term health of your tooth.
Explore root canal treatment at Evolve Dentistry
If you have a concern about specialist treatment provided by Alex, contact the Evolve team.
For general independent guidance, see the NHS information about root canal treatment.
Why do dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste?
Because fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay.
It’s one of those small, everyday habits that can make a meaningful difference to your oral health over time.
In this short video, Yasmin explains why fluoride is recommended and why the toothpaste you use matters.
Simple advice, but an important part of looking after your teeth between appointments.
#OralHealth #Fluoride #DentalCare #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
💚 A little perspective from Zambia…
Carol has shared some more photos from her volunteering trip, along with a statistic that really puts things into perspective.
🇿🇲 In Zambia, there are just 450 dentists for a population of 21 million people.
That’s approximately one dentist for every 47,000 people.
For many communities, accessing dental care is incredibly difficult, and treatment that we might take for granted here in the UK simply isn’t readily available.
It’s a powerful reminder of how important access to dental care is, and why trips like this can make such a difference.
We’re incredibly proud of Carol for giving her time and skills to help people who might otherwise struggle to receive the care they need.
And we’re loving seeing the photos and hearing about her experiences along the way! 💚
#EvolveDentistry #DentalVolunteering #Zambia #MakingADifference #Portishead
Evolve didn’t begin with a treatment list. It began with an idea about how going to the dentist could feel.
Carol wanted to create a practice where excellent dentistry and genuinely thoughtful patient care sat side by side. Somewhere people felt listened to, comfortable asking questions and involved in decisions about their care.
In this short video, Carol shares why she started Evolve and what she wanted to create.
Nearly 18 years later, that original idea still shapes the way we look after people every day.
#EvolveDentistry #OurStory #Portishead PatientCare
💚 WE’RE HIRING! Join our award-winning team! 💚
Patient Care Advisor | Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
We’re not just looking for someone to answer the phone and book appointments.
We’re looking for someone who LOVES people, takes pride in making others feel welcome and believes that exceptional customer service is all about the little things. ✨
At Evolve Dentistry, our Patient Care Advisors are at the heart of everything we do. From the first friendly hello to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for, you’ll play a huge part in creating the experience we’re so proud of.
And the best bit? You don’t need dental experience!
If you’ve worked in hospitality, customer service, reception or another people-focused role, we’d love to hear from you.
💚 What we’re offering:
✨ £14.50–£17.50 per hour, depending on experience
✨ A supportive, award-winning team
✨ A beautiful, modern working environment
✨ Training and development opportunities
✨ Staff dental discounts
✨ Team socials and celebrations
✨ A workplace where you’re genuinely valued
📅 Working hours:
Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, Thursdays and one Saturday per month.
We’re looking for someone who’s warm, organised, confident, positive and passionate about making a difference to people’s day.
Sound like you? We’d love to meet you!
📩 Email hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk to request an application pack.
⏰ Applications close Friday 30 October 2026.
💚 Know someone who’d be perfect for our team? Tag them below or share this post with them!
#EvolveDentistry #WereHiring #PortisheadJobs #NorthSomersetJobs #DentalCareers #PatientCare #JoinOurTeam
If you’re considering replacing an amalgam filling, you may have come across the term SMART.
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is a protocol designed to reduce exposure to mercury vapour and particles while an amalgam filling is being removed.
At Evolve, SMART amalgam removal is available for adults who have made an informed decision to replace their amalgam fillings.
Importantly, we don’t suggest that everyone should have their amalgam fillings removed, and we don’t make claims that removing them will improve your general health.
Swipe through for a simple explanation of what the SMART approach involves.
#SMARTAmalgamRemoval #AmalgamFillings #DentalCare #EvolveDentistry
If you’ve never visited Evolve before, here’s a little look around.
We know that walking into a new dental practice can feel daunting, particularly if it’s been a while since your last appointment.
We’ve designed Evolve to feel calm, welcoming and a little different from what you might expect from a dental practice.
But the most important part isn’t the building. It’s how you’re made to feel when you’re here.
Come in, make yourself comfortable in our patient lounge and let us look after you.
#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #PortisheadDentist #DentalCare
Gum disease can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
Bleeding when you brush, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be receding are all things worth paying attention to.
The important thing is not to wait until something hurts. Gum disease can develop without causing pain, which is one reason regular dental and hygiene appointments matter.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the signs to look out for.
If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, mention it at your next appointment or get in touch with the team.
#GumHealth #DentalHealth #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
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