Treatment Instructions

After Root Canal

Post Operative Instructions

• Do not eat for a minimum of one hour, or until the numbness thoroughly wears off.
• It is possible that your tooth and its surrounding gum tissue may be somewhat tender for the next 2-4 days. This is due to the manipulation during treatment, as well as the condition which brought you to our office. Do not be surprised if you cannot place pressure on, or eat with this tooth for a few days. Avoid chewing hard foods until your regular dentist has permanently restored the tooth.
• Brush and floss your teeth as usual.
• You may notice a medicinal taste between appointments. This is due to the penetrating quality of the medication placed in the root canals or from the temporary medicated filling, and is not harmful.
  
• In most cases, mild to moderate discomfort is experienced for 2-3 days after an appointment. The jaw may also be sore to open or close. If necessary, a pain reliever such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), Acetominophen (Tylenol), or Aspirin, is often sufficient.
• If the gums or surrounding tissue is sore, bathing the area in warm salt water for 3 to 5 minutes every 2 hours can also hasten relief.
• Discomfort following visits does not affect the successful outcome of the treatment.

After Completion of Your Root Canal Treatment

The root canal(s) has been cleaned and sealed. The tooth has been filled with a temporary filling. You will need to schedule an appointment with your general dentist to have the tooth permanently restored with a permanent filling, or crown(cap). This must be done to protect your tooth from fracture and/or decay. Please arrange this appointment today.

Your dentist will be informed that your treatment is completed and a final radiograph will be forwarded to his/her office for your dental records along with a progress report of your treatment. If any additional information is needed, please feel free to contact our office! Thank you.

Emergencies

In a small percentage of cases, patients may experience severe postoperative pain and/or swelling which could occur and persist for 3-5 days. If you experience pain that is not relieved by over the counter pain medications or if any swelling should develop, please contact the office during regular business hours at (609) 497-1188. Should a severe emergency situation arise after our normal office hours, please Dial (609) 462-8870 to reach the Doctor directly.