Post Root Canal Instructions:
It is not unusual to have some mild to moderate discomfort following Root Canal Therapy. Discomfort can usually be alleviated by taking Aleve, ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. Warm salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) may also help. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above medications or should swelling develop, please contact our office immediately.
Do not eat anything for the first hour following the procedure and then eat only soft foods for the rest of the day. It is advisable to chew on the opposite side until treatment is completed. Even if you were not experiencing any discomfort prior to treatment, it is normal for you to experience some degree of discomfort for a few days. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Your tooth has a temporary filling in place to maintain a seal between the inside and the outside of your tooth. Should this filling come out, please contact the office. If you cannot reach the office, you should use “temporary filling material”, which can be purchased at most drug stores.
If your root canal is now completed, the canal or canals have been sealed, and nature must now have time to repair the damage that the original irritant produced. Do not chew on the tooth until all the tenderness is gone. This tenderness may last a few days to a few weeks. Please contact your regular dentist within a few weeks to restore this tooth permanently. Failure to take this necessary step may result in an unfavorable outcome, such as tooth fracture.
Post Endodontic Surgery Instructions:
WHAT TO DO:
- Avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day.
- Avoid any unnecessary lifting.
- Apply an ice bag to the face over the surgical site alternating every ten minutes. Continue the applications for six hours on the day of surgery only. This will minimize swelling and discoloration. Do not use ice after the first day.
- During the first day use foods that will not require vigorous chewing. DO NOT RINSE YOUR MOUTH ON THE DAY OF SURGERY.
- There should not be much bleeding from the surgical site. If you experience significant bleeding, place a moistened Lipton tea bag between the incision and your cheek. Rest with your head elevated for 20 minutes with slight to moderate pressure over the area. Remove the tea bag and confirm that the bleeding has stopped. If it has not, repeat with a new tea bag. If the bleeding persists, call the office or the doctor's emergency number immediately.
- You should brush your teeth in the treated area excluding the gums. Do not use dental floss or a water irrigation device.
- Starting tomorrow, gently rinse the treated area with warm salt water after meals. Use one-half teaspoon of salt in a large glass of warm water.
- Return to this office for suture removal as directed.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Although severe pain seldom occurs, some discomfort will usually be present. Use the anti-inflammatory medication as directed. Taking Ibuprofen or Aleve as directed until the suture removal appointment will help relieve discomfort and avoid swelling. Please inform us if you are experiencing significant discomfort or have an elevated temperature.
- There will be some swelling and discoloration for three to five days. This is a normal part of the healing process.
- There is often temporary loss of feeling in the surgical site.
- The treated tooth may feel loose for a brief time.