Post-Op Instructions

What should I expect following endodontic treatment?

During treatment, Dr. Strand or Dr. Wiltbank thoroughly cleaned the root canal system inside your tooth, and the irritated tissue and bacteria that have caused you to need root canal treatment are gone.  The molecules that have caused some of the soreness take some time to be removed from the area by your immune system and thus it is normal to feel some tenderness over the next few days; your body is undergoing the natural healing process.

You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time or from where the anesthetic was injected. These symptoms are temporary and usually respond very well to over-the-counter pain medications. Our team will describe a good regimen.  It is important for you to follow the instructions on how to take these medications. Remember that if you take any narcotic medications, they may make you drowsy, and caution should be exercised in operating dangerous machinery or driving a car after taking them.

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 us.

Guidelines for Post-Treatment Care (Root Canals)

• Do not eat anything until the numbness in your mouth wears off. This will prevent you from biting your cheek or tongue.
• Do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist.
• Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
• 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 us.
• Contact us right away if you develop any of the following:
  
  1. a visible swelling inside or outside of your mouth;
  2. an allergic reaction to medication, including rash, hives or itching (nausea is not an allergic reaction);
  3. a return of original symptoms;
  4. your bite feels uneven

Post-Operative Surgical Instructions

Following endodontic surgery, one can expect to experience discomfort. Severe pain is uncommon. Over the counter pain medications generally will solve the pain, but we will try to anticipate any need for prescription medication.

You may notice some facial swelling for 3-5 days following surgery. Bruising is also a possibility. Numbness is sometimes present, especially in the gingival around the surgical area. Your tooth also might feel somewhat loose. What to do following surgery:

1. 1. Please return to your home and rest.
2. 2. Minimize chewing for a few days and use a soft diet for the first two days. Include sufficient protein and vitamins.
3. 3. Take the over the counter medications as directed in the office before you left.
4. 4. If prescribed, take the antibiotics. Many times, antibiotics are not necessary.
5. 5. Use an ice pack on the first day. Apply it for 10-20 minutes, then let it warm back up for the same amount of time.
6. 6. Brush and floss the other teeth in your mouth normally. Brush very gently in the surgical area. Do not rinse it vigorously, but do rinse with the Chlorhexidine mouthwash we prescribed, or with warm salt water.
7. 7. If your sutures come out in fewer than 2 days, please let us know. New ones may need to be placed. (This is uncommon.)
8. 8. Contact us if you have any problem with which you are uncomfortable.