What should I have asked before my root canal?

That bite weirdness is so real - I remember after my first root canal, I was convinced the dentist had left something in there or maybe even worked on the wrong tooth. I kept biting down and comparing sides, and it just felt... off. Turns out, like you said, the mouth just needs time to recalibrate.

Looking back, one thing I wish I'd asked beforehand: how long does it really take for things to settle? My dentist said “a couple days,” but honestly, it was more like two weeks before my bite felt normal again. I also didn’t realize that sometimes they do a temporary filling first and then a permanent one later - nobody told me about that little gap between appointments. Did anyone else get that weird taste from the temporary stuff? Maybe I’m just sensitive.

It’s kind of wild how a tiny adjustment in your mouth throws everything out of whack for a while. Makes you appreciate how finely tuned your bite actually is.

It’s kind of wild how a tiny adjustment in your mouth throws everything out of whack for a while.

Totally agree - my kid had a root canal and I was so paranoid about their bite being “off” after. I kept making them test it with crackers, which probably just made things worse. The dentist said it’d settle in a few days, but honestly, it took closer to two weeks before they stopped complaining. And yes, the temporary filling tasted weird - my kid called it “medicine flavor.” Next time, I’m definitely asking for a clearer timeline and maybe some tips for picky eaters...

the temporary filling tasted weird - my kid called it “medicine flavor.”

That “medicine flavor” is so real - my first root canal left me with that taste for days, and I couldn’t eat anything without noticing it. I totally get worrying about the bite being off, too. My dentist gave me a waxy sheet to check my bite at home, which helped a bit. Next time, maybe ask about foods that are gentle but still appealing for picky eaters. Applesauce and soft cheese were my go-tos. It’s tough to see your kid uncomfortable, but it really does settle eventually.

That taste drove me nuts, honestly. I kept thinking it was just me being sensitive, but it really lingers. I wish I’d asked more about what’s actually in the temp filling and if there are flavorless options. Also, nobody warned me how weird my bite would feel after - chewing felt off for days. Applesauce is a lifesaver, but I found yogurt easier than cheese for some reason. It’s wild how much these little things matter when you’re anxious about the whole process.

That taste is the worst, right? I remember thinking the same thing - like, why does it have to be so noticeable? Next time, it’s worth asking if they use a specific brand or if there are alternatives that don’t have that weird aftertaste. As for the bite, totally normal to feel off for a while. I found that soft foods helped, and honestly, I wish someone had told me to ask about when chewing would feel normal again. It’s those little things nobody thinks to mention...