Post Op Instructions
What To Expect After Treatment
First of all, congratulations, you made it through the root canal! Hopefully you had a pleasant experience, considering the circumstances. That truly is our goal. This sheet will go over some information about what to expect for the next few weeks now that the root canal is completed. Please follow the instructions outlined below, and contact us should any questions or problems arise.
- DO NOT eat or drink anything for the next half hour. DO NOT try to feel around your tooth with your tongue. You have a temporary filling in the tooth and it takes about half an hour to harden.
- Some minor discomfort in the area is normal following the root canal. It is normal for the tooth to be uncomfortable for 2-3 days after today’s treatment. Sometimes, depending on the circumstances, the tooth and surrounding tissues may remain sore for a few weeks post treatment.
- WHAT DO I DO ABOUT THE PAIN??? All of the above scenarios should be handled with over the counter medication, primarily. We recommend you take:
- 600-800 mg Ibuprofen (3-4 over the counter pills of Advil or generic equivalent) every 6-8 hours until the discomfort subsides. OR (if unable to take ibuprofen)
- 1000mg Acetaminophen (2 extra strength Tylenol or generic equivalent) every 6-8 hours until the discomfort subsides.
- If the gums around the involved teeth are sore, frequent rinsing with warm salt water for the next two days is recommended.
- 90% of the time this is enough to handle the discomfort. If it is not, please contact our office and we will ensure you are comfortable.
Your aftercare is important!
Contact us today if you are experiencing any complications or have questions!
4. You need to have a permanent filling or a crown placed on your tooth within 1 MONTH of the root canal being completed. It is essential for you to follow up with your general dentist on this as soon as possible. If this is not done, the tooth is very likely to fracture, develop new decay underneath the temporary filling or leak saliva into the root canal system, which may cause your root canal to fail. You will be responsible for all costs incurred if you fail to follow this instruction.
(5) DO NOT use the tooth to bite down on anything hard (peanuts, pretzels, ice, etc.) until the permanent filling/crown has been placed on the tooth. Again, the tooth is prone to fracture and if you bite down on anything too hard or crunchy you may crack the tooth.
(6) It is normal for the temporary filling to “divot” in with use. It is very rare for it to fall out entirely. If the temporary falls out you should contact us, or your general dentist as soon as possible. If it happens when our office is closed, we recommend you purchase some temporary filling material from any pharmacy and place a dab in the tooth until you have an opportunity to see us at our office.
(7) If you are given any prescription medications related to this treatment please take them as instructed by your doctor. It is especially important to take any antibiotics until they are all gone, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
(8) You may floss and brush your tooth as normal, unless told otherwise by the doctor.
PLEASE READ THIS LAST SECTION, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!!
FLARE-UPS
Although about 95% of root canals cause little to no discomfort after the treatment is completed, there are about 5% of cases which may result in significant pain that over the counter pain relievers do not resolve. These are commonly referred to as “flare-ups.” They mostly occur on badly infected teeth, teeth that are extremely irritated, or teeth that have a history of prior treatment. Sometimes, however, they occur randomly, even on patients that have had several root canals done previously without any problems.
If you have a flare-up you may experience moderate to severe pain, swelling (can get as large as a golf ball), bruising, throbbing, and general discomfort, which usually begins a few hours after treatment and may last 2 to 3 days.
Please contact our office if you experience any of these symptoms and we will do everything we possibly can to get you some relief. You may be prescribed antibiotics, stronger pain medication, a steroid, and/or you may be asked to come to the office to receive further therapy. Should you experience any of these symptoms after hours you may call the doctor on call at Lancaster Endodontist Office Phone Number 717-560-1212 .