Instructions

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After Your First Appointment

1. It is normal for your treated tooth and the surrounding gum tissue to be tender for several days, especially to biting or pressure.
2. These symptoms are temporary and usually respond very well to over-the-counter pain medications. It is important for you to follow the instructions on how to take these medications. Narcotic medications, if prescribed, may make you drowsy. You should not drink alcohol, drive or operate machinery.
3. It is not unusual to be unable to eat with this tooth for a few days. Brush and floss your teeth as usual.
4. In the unlikely event that pain should become severe, or if swelling develops, please call the office promptly.
5. Be very careful when chewing on the side of the mouth where the tooth is being treated. This is to avoid fracture of the tooth until you can see your restorative dentist for the final restoration.
6. If the tooth has been left open to drain: Irrigate your tooth as instructed with warm salt water after each meal and/or snack with the syringe provided to you by our office. Avoid blocking the open tooth with food by cautiously eating on the opposite side of your mouth. To remove any accidental blockage, vigorously rinse after meals with warm salt water (water chewing). Avoid the use of a toothpick or anything else to clean the food out of the tooth.  If medication has been prescribed, take as directed and notify the office in the event of any significant pain, problems or swelling. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office at any time. We can be reached 7 days a week 24 hours a day by our emergency line.

After Completion of the Root Canal

Congratulations! By saving your tooth with root canal treatment, you have made a significant step towards better oral health. The root canal system inside your tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, shaped and sealed.

As soon as possible please call your dentist for an appointment to place a permanent restoration on your tooth.

Any delay in obtaining a permanent restoration may cause the tooth to fracture or may cause the tooth to become re-infected. It is normal to feel some tenderness in the area over the next few days as your body undergoes the natural healing process. You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time.

These symptoms are temporary and usually respond very well to over-the-counter pain medications. It is important for you to follow the instructions on how to take these medications.

Narcotic medications, if prescribed, may make you drowsy. You should not drink alcohol, drive or operate machinery.

Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment has been completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, contact our office immediately.

1. Do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until it is restored by your dentist.
2. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would do.
3. If the opening in your tooth was restored with a temporary filling material, it is not unusual for a thin layer to wear off in-between appointments. However, if you think the entire filling has come out, contact our office.
4. Contact our office right away if you develop any of the following: Visible swelling inside or outside of your mouth Allergic reaction to medication, including rash, hives or itching (nausea is not an allergic reaction); Return of original symptoms; Significant pain bite feels high or uneven