Post Operative
Post-Operative Instructions
Following Root Canal Treatment:
1. While you are anaesthetized or “frozen”, avoid eating or drinking anything hot to prevent burning yourself. Also, chew carefully to avoid biting your lip, cheek or gum.
2. You had a temporary restoration placed in your tooth:
i. If root canal therapy has been initiated but not completed, you must schedule an additional appointment(s) at our office.
ii. If root canal therapy has been completed, you must return to your regular dentist to have the temporary filling replaced. A crown may be recommended. Please avoid pressure or chewing on the tooth (teeth) that has been treated until you have seen your regular dentist for permanent restoration.
iii. Please call your dentist as soon as possible, preferably within 2 weeks after completion of root canal treatment to make an appointment for the permanent restoration.
3. You may experience some discomfort on the tooth that has been treated. This may last anywhere between 3-10 days. Swelling in the affected area may also occur. These are not unusual post-operative events.
4. We will give you a post-operative instruction sheet and discuss all details with you at the time of treatment.
5. Please continue with any medications prescribed, unless instructed otherwise by the doctor. Notify the office of any problems that may arise from medications being taken.
Remember… If you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our office!
The tooth and its surrounding tissue may be tender for several days. This is a result of the combined effects of your condition prior to treatment and the root canal therapy performed.
- DO NOT apply any pressure to the tooth or teeth under treatment for the next few days. The irritation caused by the root canal treatment is like a bruise and chewing will only further aggravate the situation. Your diet should consist of morsels of firmer foods you can control.
Be careful to avoid the treated tooth. After the initial few days following treatment, you may start a soft diet working your way back to normal function.
- Minor soreness may be best relieved by taking 3-4 Ibuprofen, (Advil or Motrin), 3-4 times a day or 2 Aleve 2 times a day for the next few days. Take Tylenol if the anti-inflammatory medication cannot be used. You can also alternate between Advil and Tylenol or combine the two medications for maximum pain relief, if needed. Many times throbbing aches can be greatly reduced by applying an ice pack to the face for short intervals. If prescribed, take your antibiotic as directed. If necessary, fill and use the prescription for the pain medication that you may have been given. Take only as needed.
- Use warm salt water rinses (as often as you can), a cup of warm water to a teaspoon of salt and rinse around infected area.
- Brush as you normally do.