Instructions Following Root Canal Therapy & Retreatments

It is possible that your tooth will be sore for a day or two. This is due to the previous condition of your tooth and the manipulation within the root canal during treatment. There is no cause for alarm since this is a perfectly normal reaction. While the tooth is tender, avoid chewing in this area. Rinsing the area with ½ teaspoon of table salt in 8 oz. of comfortably hot water will usually be helpful.

To keep the inflammation under control and take away any discomfort, you can take 3 (200mgs) Ibuprofen (Nuprin, Advil, Motrin) tablets every 4 hours today and 3 ibuprofen tablets every 6 hours tomorrow if needed. For patients allergic to ibuprofen, 2 (500 mg) acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablets (total of 1000 mg) may be substituted. In some cases, a prescription pain medication and/or an antibiotic may be indicated. If given, please follow the instructions on the label.

Discomfort following visits does not affect the successful outcome of treatment. You may notice a medicinal taste between appointments. This is due to the penetrating quality of the medication and is not harmful. It is normal for a thin layer of temporary filling material to be chewed away. Should all the temporary filling come out (or if you are in doubt), call our office. If you have any questions concerning your treatment, or if you experience swelling or discomfort that cannot be controlled as stated above, please do not hesitate to call our office. Please schedule an appointment with your dentist within 30 days of completion.

It is imperative that a permanent restoration be done to protect your tooth against fracture and decay.

A copy of this notice is automatically sent to your referring dentist so that the office knows that this tooth is ready to be permanently restored.

Some degree of pain and swelling is considered normal. Skin discolorations may also be experienced. Maximum swelling will occur between 2-3 days after the procedure. It is important that these instructions are followed to allow uncomplicated and rapid healing.

Day 1

1. Apply an ice pack to face over the operated area 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off until bedtime in order to keep the swelling to a minimum. A bag of frozen peas placed in Ziploc bags works well.
2.  Do not raise your lip with your fingers to inspect the treated area. The operated area should be treated with special care.
3.  Rest for the entire day. Do not exercise for one to two days.
4. Stay on a soft diet and avoid hot liquids for the first 48 hours.
5. Refrain from brushing your teeth.
6. Refrain from rinsing your mouth even after meals.
7. Refrain from smoking for 12-18 hours.
8. Elevate your head on a few pillows while sleeping. This will help keep the swelling to a minimum.
9. Take medications as prescribed.

Day 2-7

1. Discontinue the application of ice to the face.
2. Begin to rinse the treated area with warm salt water 5-8 times daily. Use about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt to 8 oz. of warm water. Make sure you soak the area each time for about 5 minutes.
3. Brushing your teeth is allowed, except in the surgically treated area. You may also rinse your mouth after brushing and after meals to keep the surgical area clean.
4. Get plenty of rest and resume normal intake of food, especially liquids such as fruit, juice, soup and milk.
5. If a periodontal pack was placed over the surgical area Do not disturb it. However, if it becomes loose and uncomfortable, call the office immediately.
6. Take medications as prescribed.