Post Treatment Instructions

 

 

 

After Your Root Canal

 

• After your root canal therapy, take care of your treated tooth the same way you would your other teeth.

 

• If you have a temporary filling in your tooth you will need to make an appointment with your general dentist within 2-4 weeks to have the tooth restored.

 

• You may experience some discomfort and biting sensitivity for several days after having root canal therapy.  Most patients get by with over the counter pain medication.  If you feel you need something stronger you can call the office.   The doctor is on call for after hours.

 

• If you should develop swelling please contact us.  We will want to treat your swelling appropriately.

 

• We may want to take a look at your tooth 6 months to a year after completing root canal treatment.  If so, we will send you a card in the mail to remind you to call the office to set an appointment.

 

 

 

Instructions Following Endodontic Surgery

 

• GO home immediately after surgery and apply and ice pack (externally) over the operated area for 6 to 8 hours (20 minutes on, 10 minutes off).

 

• Us an over-the –counter pain medication for discomfort or use medication prescribed for pain.

 

• Starting 48 hours after surgery, rinse with prescribed mouth rinse approximately every 3-4 hours for 5 days.

 

• Diet should consist of foods that are chewed and swallowed easily.  Drink plenty of liquids and eat a well-balanced soft diet to promote healing thereafter.

 

• Restrict physical exercise, smoking, and alcohol for several days after treatment.  Do not stretch your mouth or lips to look at the incision for 24 hours.

 

• Return to our office for suture removal on date given.

 

• Avoid brushing in the surgical site until after suture removal.

 

 

Information About Conditions Which May Occur

Following Endodontic Surgery

 

• There may be some swelling and facial discoloration (black and blue) near the operation site.

 

• A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected.  If bleeding fails to stop, place a gauze 2” x 2” or tea bag over the incision and apply moderate pressure to the area for one hour or more

 

• If bleeding continues or swelling is severe, contact our office by phone (discontinue rinses).

 

• There may be a slight elevation in temperature for 24-48 hours. If you temperature continues notify us.

 

• Numbness in the area of surgery may occur.  This is called “Paresthesia” and is a temporary condition which may remain for a few days to few weeks.

 

• Feel free to contact our office if any doubt arises as to your progress and recovery.