Can You Drive After a Root Canal? Here’s What You Should Know

Getting a root canal can sound intimidating, but it’s actually a very common dental procedure. One of the most frequently asked questions people have is, “Can I drive myself home after a root canal?” The answer depends on a few important factors—mainly whether you received local anesthesia or sedation.

Let’s go over what you need to know so you can feel confident and safe on your way home.

Local Anesthesia: You’re Usually Good to Drive

In most root canal treatments, local anesthesia is the go-to option. This type of anesthesia works by numbing only the specific area around the tooth being treated. Your lips, tongue, and part of your face may feel numb for a few hours, but here’s the good news: Your mind stays fully alert.

According to dental professionals, local anesthesia doesn’t affect your ability to think clearly, your reflexes, or your coordination. This means you can typically drive yourself home without any issues.

In fact, many people return to their normal activities—like going back to work or running errands—after a root canal performed with just local anesthesia. Just be mindful of the numbness so you don’t accidentally bite your cheek or tongue!

Sedation: You’ll Need Someone to Drive You Home

The story changes if your dentist uses sedation during your root canal. Sometimes, sedation is recommended if you’re feeling especially anxious, if the procedure is expected to take longer, or if you simply prefer to feel more relaxed.

There are a few types of sedation that may be used:

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): You might feel a little foggy or lightheaded right after the procedure. Some people recover quickly, but it’s still safer not to drive right away.
• Oral Sedation: These are pills taken before the appointment that can leave you drowsy for hours.
• IV Sedation: Stronger sedation that can make you groggy and slow to react for much of the day.

If you’ve had any type of sedation, you should absolutely arrange for someone to drive you home. Sedatives can impair your reflexes, your ability to make quick decisions, and your overall awareness—making driving unsafe.

Most dental offices will actually require you to have a driver lined up in advance if sedation is part of your treatment plan.

How You Feel Matters

Even if you’ve only had local anesthesia, it’s still a good idea to check in with yourself before deciding to drive.
Ask yourself:

• Do I feel dizzy or lightheaded?
• Am I experiencing significant discomfort or jaw pain?
• Am I mentally clear and alert?

Some people feel perfectly fine right after the procedure, while others may need a bit of time to rest before feeling comfortable getting behind the wheel.

If something feels off—trust your gut. It’s always safer to wait a little while or ask a friend or family member to give you a lift.

Post-Procedure Pain: Can It Affect Driving?

Mild soreness or tenderness in your jaw is pretty common once the numbness wears off. This usually isn’t enough to prevent you from driving, but it’s worth considering. If the pain is distracting or you’re uncomfortable focusing on the road, it’s better to play it safe and have someone else drive.

Some dentists recommend waiting about 30 minutes to an hour after your procedure to fully assess how you feel before making a decision.

When You Definitely Shouldn’t Drive

Here’s a quick checklist of times when driving after a root canal isn’t safe:

• You received nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation.
• You feel groggy, dizzy, or mentally foggy.
• You’re experiencing moderate to severe pain.
• Your dentist specifically advises against driving.

Final Thoughts: Safety First

So, can you drive after a root canal?

Most of the time, yes—if you’ve only had local anesthesia and you feel well. But if sedation was involved or you’re not feeling your best, it’s smart to plan ahead and have someone else take you home.

Your well-being is the top priority. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask Dr Chanelle Small, DDS at Midtown Endodontics P.C. for advice by calling on 212-721-2266. They can help you make the safest decision for your situation.

Remember: When in doubt, don’t drive. It’s always better to be cautious than to risk your safety on the road.