After Completion of Endodontic Treatment

What to expect after root canal therapy

  1. It is not uncommon for a tooth to be uncomfortable or exhibit a dull ache immediately after root  canal therapy.  This should subside within a few days.
  2. Your tooth will be sensitive to biting pressure and may even appear to feel loose.  This feeling is a result of the sensitivity of nerve endings in the tissue just outside the end of the root where we cleaned, irrigated, and placed filler and sealer material.  This feeling will also subside in a short period of time.
  3. For long term success, it is very important to have the tooth properly restored after root canal therapy.  In the majority of cases, the best treatment will be a crown or cap. 
  4. Contact your family dentist as soon as possible for this needed restorative care.

What to do

  1. We recommend you take something for pain relief before the anesthesia we administered begins to subside.  Generally, we recommend ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-800mg every 4-6 hours over the  next 24 to 48 hours (not to exceed 3200mg in a 24 hour period).  If you have a medical condition or gastrointestinal disorder that precludes ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a substitute, 1000mg every 4-6 hours over the next 24-48 hours
  2. Whenever possible, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until you have a crown placed.

Please call if…

  1. You are experiencing symptoms more intense or of longer duration than those described above.
  2. You encounter post-operative swelling in addition to pain.
  3. You have any questions at all.

What to expect after root canal surgery

  1. You may have a small amount of blood mixed with saliva that will give you the impression of excessive bleeding.  Usually patients have very  little to no bleeding after root canal surgery, however, deep red blood that is not controlled with pressure can be a sign of active bleeding.
  2. Because you have had surgery, you may have some post-treatment pain and soreness for the first few days.
  3. Swelling may also be normal for the first few days after treatment.

What to do

  1. We recommend you take something for pain relief before the anesthesia we administered begins to subside.  Generally we recommend ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-800mg every 4-6 hours over the next 24-48 hours (not to exceed 3200mg in 24 hours).  If you have a medical condition or gastrointestinal disorder that precludes ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a substitute, 1000mg every 4-6 hours over the next 24-48 hours.
  2. To minimize the swelling and bleeding, an ice pack should be applied to the face in the area of the surgical site, 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off for the next 4-6 hours.  It is important to maintain your normal fluid intake and do not miss meals.
  3. A soft diet is recommended for the first 24 hours.  It is important to maintain your normal fluid intake and do not miss meals.
  4. You should limit your physical activity for the first 24 hours after treatment.  Talking and moving the mouth should be kept to a minimum.
  5. Brush and floss in all areas except the surgical site.  Use the dispensed Peridex as a rinse two times per day.  Resume normal brushing and flossing in the surgical site after the sutures are removed.
  6. Sutures are normally removed 48 hours after treatment.

Please call if…

  1. Severe pain, swelling, excessive bleeding or high fever develops.
  2. You have any questions.