Root Canal Treatment Post-operative Instructions
- Root canal treatment may take one or more appointments to be completed.
- Following the procedure, the tooth and surrounding gum may become tender for a few days.
- Pain level will vary depending on many factors such as the existing condition of the tooth and nature of the procedure. Biting will take longer to resume to normal.
- Take analgesics as recommended by the endodontist if necessary.
- Your lips, teeth and tongue may remain numb for a few hours. Avoid eating and drinking hot foods/liquids until the numbness has worn off.
- A temporary filling may have been placed to protect the tooth between or following the root canal treatment appointment(s). A small portion of the temporary filling may wear off, which is normal. If a large portion falls out or if your temporary crown comes off, please let us know.
- To protect the tooth and preserve the temporary filling, refrain from eating for one hour following the procedure and maintain a soft diet in this area to decrease risk of fracture.
- Brush and floss your teeth normally unless instructed otherwise.
- The endodontist may recommend a permanent filling and/or crown by your general dentist once root canal treatment has been completed to decrease risk of contamination or fracture.
- The endodontist may recommend a recall evaluation to assess healing.
- If you have persistent pain or swelling, please contact us.
Endodontic Surgery Post-operative Instructions
- Apply ice (in plastic bag or ice pack) to face, 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, for the next 5-6 hours. This will help to keep swelling to a minimum. Expect some swelling to continue for several days.
- Swelling and bruising may appear following surgery and will gradually resolve.
- Mild bleeding can be expected during the first day of surgery. If excessive bleeding occurs, please call us immediately.
- Do NOT raise the lip to look at operated areas. It is possible to accidentally tear the stitches and open the incision resulting in delayed healing.
- Do NOT brush in the surgical area. Brush and floss other parts of the mouth. Use Peridex mouthwash as prescribed or a warm salt water rinse at least twice daily (1/2 teaspoon salt, ½ glass water).
- Eat a soft diet for the first three days. Use a vitamin supplement if desired. Avoid hard foods (e.g. toast), food with seeds, or other chewy food (e.g. steak) until sutures have been removed.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- If there is discomfort or pain, take pain medication as advised by the doctor.
- Return to the office for suture removal as directed.
- If any unusual symptoms develop please contact us for advice and further instructions.