Can You Drive Yourself Home After a Root Canal?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
A question many patients ask is, “Can I drive myself home after a root canal?” In most cases, the answer is yes. If your root canal is done using only local anesthesia (numbing medicine in your mouth), you should be safe to drive afterward. Local anesthesia affects only the treated area—it does not make you drowsy or slow your thinking.
During a typical root canal at Summerbrook Dental & Implants, we numb the tooth and surrounding area so you don’t feel pain while we work. You’ll remain awake and alert during the entire procedure. Once it’s done, you might have a numb cheek, lip, or tongue for a few hours, but that won’t stop you from driving safely.
However, there are exceptions. If you choose to have oral sedation (a pill that helps you relax) or IV sedation (medicine given through a vein), you will feel sleepy and your reflexes will be slower. In these cases, you should not drive yourself home. You will need to have a friend or family member bring you and take you back afterward. This is for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
We always talk with our patients before treatment about the type of anesthesia or sedation we will use so you can plan ahead. If you aren’t sure, ask us before your appointment so there are no surprises.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, we are a no-judgment office. Whether you drive yourself or bring someone along, our main goal is to make your root canal as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
If you’re worried about pain, driving, or recovery, we’ll answer all your questions and make sure you feel confident before and after your treatment.