What to Do After Your Root Canal Treatment

Please review the guidance below, and feel free to reach out to us with any questions.

• Avoid eating or drinking anything for the first 30 minutes after your procedure, and try not to probe the treated tooth with your tongue. This waiting period gives the temporary filling the time it needs to fully harden.
• Should you receive a prescription, fill it as soon as possible and use it exactly as directed. When no prescription has been provided, an over the counter ibuprofen product such as Motrin or Advil can be taken to ease discomfort and swelling, provided you have no known allergy to that medication. Tylenol is a suitable alternative as well. Always stay within the dosing instructions listed on the packaging, and call our office if your pain is not adequately managed.
• A cold compress held against the outside of the face near the treated tooth can help keep swelling down. Never place ice directly against your skin, keep a cloth layer between the ice pack and your face at all times, and limit each application to about 20 minutes on followed by a minimum 20 minute break, repeating as needed over the following 6 to 8 hours.
• When you begin eating and drinking again, keep chewing and biting away from the treated tooth until a permanent restoration is in place. The temporary filling or crown used right after root canal treatment is typically made of a soft composite material, which means it can crack or break under pressure. Steer clear of hard foods like peanuts, pretzels, hard candy, or ice cubes for this reason. It is normal to notice extra sensitivity before the final restoration goes in. Plan to visit a restorative dentist within the next month so a permanent crown or filling can be placed, and reach out to that dentist soon to schedule the appointment. Delaying beyond a month raises the odds of the temporary cracking or of decay forming in that area.
• Keep the treated tooth clean through regular gentle brushing and flossing.
• A temporary filling rarely comes out completely, though it may develop a small dent while you are using it. Should it come loose, reach out to your general dentist right away. If this happens outside of our office hours, temporary filling material is available at most pharmacies, and following the package directions to cover the area can hold you over until we can see you.
• A certain amount of discomfort is expected for two to four days after root canal therapy, and in some instances the tooth and nearby tissue may stay tender for several weeks afterward.
• Continue your normal brushing and flossing routine unless our office has told you otherwise, follow any additional guidance given during your visit, and take all medications exactly as prescribed.
  
  

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT

Flare-ups are uncommon, affecting roughly 5% of cases, but they can bring on considerable pain when they happen. These tend to occur in teeth that were significantly irritated or infected, or in teeth that have been treated before, though they can also arise randomly, even in patients whose earlier root canals went smoothly. Signs of a flare-up include moderate to severe pain, swelling, throbbing, or general discomfort, and if you notice any of these, please contact our office immediately. Additional medication, such as antibiotics, may be prescribed, and you may also be asked to come in for further treatment.