Home Care Instructions
After Root Canal Treatment
Post Operative Care Instructions following Root Canal Treatment
- Before the anesthetic wears off and if needed for the next 48 hours, take some sort of anti-inflammatory medication. We recommend 600 mg of ibuprofen (a.k.a. Motrin, Advil, Nuprin) every 6 hours. Alleve and Aspirin are also effective if you prefer them. If you are unable to take anti-inflammatory medication, we recommend Tylenol as needed.
- The tooth will be sore to biting pressure initially. This is normal and may take 1-2 weeks to resolve. If you have a temporary filling or crown, avoid any hard or sticky foods until your tooth is permanently restored by your General Dentist (within 30 days).
- If your tooth was diagnosed as having a crack: avoid chewing on this side until the temporary crown has been placed by your General Dentist (within 30 days).
- If hot or cold liquids affected the tooth, the tooth should no longer feel temperature changes. It is fine to drink liquids on that side.
- It is important to continue brushing and flossing in order for tissue around the tooth to stay healthy. The tooth will be sensitive when you try to brush and floss. Be gentle.
- Everything mentioned above is normal from all the work that was done today. Time for healing is the major factor now. In some cases, infection may develop after treatment. If you develop severe pain or swelling, please call the office for instructions on how to reach Dr. Wright.
- The permanent restoration (filling and/or crown) will need to be done by your General Dentist within 30 days unless otherwise instructed.
If you have any questions, problems, or concerns, please feel free to call our office.
Post Operative Care Instructions Following Endodontic Surgery
- Apply an ice pack to the operated area as much as you can the day of the surgery, 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off until bedtime. This will help prevent some of the swelling and discomfort.
- After 24 hours: Rinse with warm salt water rinses at least 3 times daily, preferably after meals and before bedtime. (1 tsp salt in 8 ounces warm water). Brush with soft-bristle toothbrush in surgical area, but avoid brushing sutured gum tissue directly until your 2 week post-op visit. The cleaner you keep the area, the faster it will heal.
- Do not lift your lips or place your tongue in the surgical area. In general, do not do anything that will disrupt the incision or the sutures.
- It is advisable to have the prescription(s) filled on the way home so they will be on hand if needed.
- Rest as much as possible the first 24 hours. Elevate your head with at least one pillow while sleeping.
- Drink Plenty of fluids that have food value (i.e. juices, milk, etc.).
- Follow a soft diet the day of and the day after the surgery. After that time, cut food into small pieces. Avoid foods such as raw carrots, apples, toast, etc., as these tend to dislodge the sutures.
- A small amount of bleeding may persist for 1 to 2 days. Should bleeding increase, apply a dampened tea bag with slight pressure to the surgical area.
- There will typically be some swelling for about 5 days. Bruising may also occur and is normal.
- If a sinus exposure occurs: Do not blow your nose for 2 weeks. Take an antihistamine to alleviate drainage. If you sneeze, keep your mouth open to prevent a pressure buildup in the sinus.
- Avoid smoking the first 48 hours.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours.
- Alcohol intake is not advised especially while taking medications.
- Please contact our office if you experience discomfort not controlled by your prescription, excessive bleeding, marked temperature rise or excessive swelling starting a few days after the surgery.