Postoperative Instructions For Root Canal Therapy

  • DO NOT eat or drink anything for the next half hour.  DO NOT try to feel around your tooth with your tongue.  You have a temporary filling in the tooth and it takes about half an hour to harden.
  • You need to have a permanent filling or a crown placed on your tooth within 1 MONTH of the root canal being completed.  It is essential for the survial of the tooth to do this in this time period.  If this is not done, the tooth is very likely to fracture or to develop new decay underneath the temporary filling which may cause your root canal to fail.  You will be responsible for all costs incurred if you fail to follow this instruction.
  • DO NOT use the tooth to bite down on anything hard (peanuts, pretzels, ice, etc.) until the permanent filling/crown has been placed on the tooth.  Again, the tooth is prone to fracture and if you bite down on anything too hard or crunchy you may crack the tooth.
  • Some minor discomfort in the area is normal following the 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 pain are:
    1. Sore jaw joint 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???  All of the above scenarios should be handled with over the counter medication, primarily.  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 2 days OR (if 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 ensure you are 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 your tooth as normal

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Our Regular Schedule

Innovation Family Dental

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-4:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

(Select Fridays are booked)

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed