Post-Op Instructions following Root Canal Therapy

​This is sheet will go over some information about what to expect for the next few weeks now that the root canal is completed. Please follow the instructions outlined below and contact us should any questions or problems arise. 

While you are still numb, be careful not to bite your cheek, teeth, lip, or tongue. The numbness will wear off in a few hours after the procedure.

If you have a temporary filling, do not eat anything hard, crunchy or sticky on that tooth because it could cause the filling to come out. If your temporary does fall out, please let us know as soon as possible, as we don’t want the root canal to be compromised.

It is normal for the temporary filling to feel different, this is not your permanent restoration.

If your bite feels uneven please let us know as soon as possible.

Some minor discomfort in the are is normal following a root canal. It is normal for the tooth to be uncomfortable for 2-3 days after today’s treatment. Sometimes, depending on the circumstances, the tooth and surrounding tissues may remain sore for a few weeks post treatment.

The three most common reasons for the pain are:

  1. Sore jaw from having your mouth open for a prolonged time.
  2. Sore muscle from the injection site.
  3. Sore gum from the rubber dam placement.

What do I do about the pain? We recommend you take: 600 mg Ibuprofen (3 over the counter pills of Advil or Motrin or generic equivalent) every 6 hours for the next days. OR if you are unable to take Ibuprofen 1000mg Acetaminophen (2 extra strength Tylenol or generic equivalent) every 6-8 hours for the next 2 days. 90% of the time this is enough to handle the discomfort. If it is not, please contact our office and we will work with you to get comfortable.

If you are given any prescription medications related to this treatment please take them as instructed by your doctor.

You may floss and brush as normal unless otherwise told by the doctor.

Rinsing with salt water ( teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day to reduce pain and swelling.

Although 95% of root canals cause very little to no discomfort after the treatment is completed. There are a small percentage that can experience significant pain. There are referred as “flare ups”. The mostly occur on badly infected teeth that are extremely irritated or teeth that have a history of prior root canal treatment. Sometimes, however, the occur randomly even on patients that have had several root canals previously without any problems.

If you have flare-ups you may experience moderate to severe pain, swelling (can get as large as a golf ball), bruising, throbbing and general discomfort. These symptoms usually begin a few hours after treatment and may last 2 to 3 days.

Please contact our office if you experience any of these symptoms and we will do everything we possibly can to get you some relief. You may be prescribed antibiotics, stronger pain medications, a steroid, and/or you may be asked to come to the office to receive further treatment. 

Please don’t hesitate to call our office if you have any concerns or questions.