Post Operative Instructions

Root Canal Therapy Home Care Instructions

  • What to expect:

It is normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a root canal appointment, especially when chewing. The tooth may be sensitive when touched or manipulated for several days, and this should resolve as the inflammation around the tooth resolves. To further reduce discomfort around the tooth, you may rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water. Use about one teaspoon of salt per glass of water.

  • Chewing and eating:

Due to inflammation surrounding the tooth, it is normal for the tooth to be sensitive to chewing for several days. It is advised to avoid eating on the treated tooth if possible. Do not eat anything hard or crunchy on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed. If we used any anesthetic during the procedure, avoid chewing until the numbness completely wears off.  Yours lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours. 

  • Medications and discomfort:

If you are able to take Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), it is recommended to take: 400mg every 6 hours as needed for pain. Depending on your level of discomfort, you can take one regular strength Tylenol along with the ibuprofen (3 Ibuprofen + 1 regular strength Tylenol) as needed every 4-6 hours. If you cannot take Ibuprofen, you may take Tylenol or Aspirin. To control discomfort, take pain medication before the anesthetic has worn off.

If antibiotics were prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if symptoms and signs of infection are gone.

  • Caring for a temporary restoration:

If we placed a temporary filling on your tooth, avoid chewing for at least one-half hour to allow the restoration to harden and avoid eating hard or sticky foods. If possible, try to chew on the other side of your mouth until you are able to get the permanent filling on your tooth. An appointment should be made with your General Dentist as soon as possible to replace the temporary filling to insure final restoration of the treated tooth is completed.

It is not a problem for a small portion of a temporary filling to wear away or break off, but if the entire filling is out or if the temporary crown comes off, call us so it can be fixed.

  • Brushing and Flossing:

Brush and floss as normal. 

  • When to call us:

Call our office if you develop or experience any of the following: swelling that is new or increasing, if your bite feels uneven, if you have sensitivity or discomfort that increases or continues beyond three or four days, your temporary filling or crown comes off, or if you have any questions or concerns.