Post procedure instructions following endodontic treatment
WHAT TO EXPECT:
After completion of your root canal, some soreness is normal. Generally, the tooth is tender to biting pressure. This discomfort varies with the severity of the endodontic problem and may last a few days to a few weeks.
Medication:
Some pain medication may be necessary. We recommend ibuprofen (I.E., Advil, Motrin) or Aspirin. If you’re unable to take Ibuprofen, Tylenol is okay, but it does not contain anti-inflammatory properties.
Ibuprofen pre-medication:
We recommend an anti-inflammatory pre-medication prior to root canal therapy. Please take 600mg of Ibuprofen every six hours 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Advil, Ibuprofen or Motrin
Adults: 600 mg 4 times per day (every 6 hours) for 3 days.
Children: 12 years or older: 400 mg 3 times per day (every 8 hours) for 3 days.
Alternating Ibuprofen and other pain medications:
When taking narcotics along with Ibuprofen, the medications should be alternated. After taking Ibuprofen, you may take 1 tablet of prescribed pain medications 2-3 hours later as needed.
Temporary Filling:
A temporary filling has been placed in the access opening of your tooth. It is important that you return to your dentist for a permanent crown or filling as soon as your symptoms subside. Please do not chew on this tooth for at least 2 hours after treatment to allow the filling to set. After that, don’t eat anything real sticky or chewy on that tooth as the filling may pull out. The temporary filling may start to “dish out” a little with normal eating and chewing. There is no need for concern, as long as the bulk of the filling is still in your tooth. If the entire filling comes out, please call our office to have the filling replaced.
Gum tenderness:
Your gums may be tender around the tooth for a few days after treatment. Mix 1 teaspoon salt with 1 cup warm water, then rinse your mouth for one minute. Rinse several times per day until gum tenderness is gone.
Salt water chews:
Rinse with warm salt water. Hold the water in your cheek nearest the painful tooth and gently “chew” up and down for a few seconds. Repeat until you have used up the glass of water. Repeat this procedure every hour until tooth is feeling better. Then repeat the warm salt-water rinses six times a day or at least after eating.
We recommend that you drink plenty of fluids the remainder of the day after your appointment.
Oral hygiene
It is recommended to continue normal brushing after treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at 825-5221.
