POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ROOT CANAL PATIENTS
Note that the following instructions are general guidelines for all root canal patients; you may have been given additional instructions specific to your situation either at your initial visit or at the time of surgery. Please follow all instructions.
Pain Management:
After completion of your endodontic procedure you will be advised to take pain medication prior to the numbness wearing off to aid in maintaining a reasonable level of comfort
Taking 600-800mg of ibuprofen (Advil) can help to control the post-op swelling
The amount and duration of discomfort patients experience can vary from case to case; however, it is not uncommon to have some discomfort following the procedure even if none existed prior to treatment.
If your discomfort isn't sufficiently controlled by your medications, or if excessive swelling develops, contact our office immediately
Dietary Guidelines:
Avoid eating or drinking on the affected side of your mouth until the numbness wears off
After that, avoid chewing on the treated tooth until placement of the final, permanent restoration to decrease the chance of tooth fracture.
Antibiotics:
Antibiotics may be prescribed in some cases, but not all.
If you are prescribed antibiotics, make sure you take the full course, even after symptoms have been relieved.
Final Restoration:
Teeth treated with an endodontic procedure have been structurally compromised by the existing decay and/or restorations. You need to have a permanent restoration placed in the tooth within a month of your root canal, if not sooner, to prevent tooth fracture.
Some endodontically-treated tooth can have fillings placed as a final restoration. Most, including all molars, will require crowns for proper protection. If the tooth already has a crown, the dentist will decide whether a new crown is necessary.
If you have any questions or concerns after hours please call our office.