POST-OPERATIVE ROOT CANAL THERAPY INSTRUCTIONS

DISCOMFORT – Some discomfort is normal following root canal therapy. If you had pain before treatment, you are more likely to have some residual discomfort. Some common reasons are sore jaw joint from having your mouth open, sore muscle from the injection site, and sore gum from the dental dam placement. Most symptoms will go away within a week.

SWELLING – About 5% of teeth may experience pain and/or swelling called a “flare-up.” It is caused by residual inflammation or bacteria outside the tooth. A flare-up can occur randomly, even on patients that have had several root canals done previously without any problems. A flare-up can begin a few hours or a few days after treatment. Antibiotics are the usual treatment for a flare-up. Please call the office or your treating doctor if you are experiencing swelling and/or pain not managed with the regimen below.

PAIN MEDICATIONS – If you are experiencing discomfort, follow the regimen below:

600 mg Ibuprofen (3-200mg over the counter pills of Advil or Motrin or generic equivalent) and 1000 mg Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours.

• If you cannot take Ibuprofen, you can take 1000 mg Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours.
• Applying ice to the area and a soft diet will also help minimize/reduce discomfort.
• Please call if the above protocol is not relieving your discomfort.

FOLLOW UP WITH YOUR GENERAL DENTIST – It is very important to have your tooth properly restored to prevent fracture or new decay. Most teeth need crowns after root canal treatment. Your general dentist will discuss the options to preserve your tooth.

• If a temporary filling was placed, it takes about half an hour to harden. Please don’t eat anything hard or drink anything hot during that time. A temporary filling can only reliably provide a seal for about 1 month.  After that time, the tooth and root canal can become contaminated with bacteria.  Do not bite anything hard or chewy (nuts, bagels, pretzels, ice, etc.) until your tooth has a final restoration. Again, the tooth is prone to fracture and if you bite down on anything too hard or crunchy you may crack the tooth and it may need to be extracted.
• If a permanent restoration was placed, a crown may still be needed. Please talk to your general dentist for their recommendation.

WOMEN – If we prescribed you an antibiotic and you are taking birth control pills, an alternative method of birth control will need to be used for at least a month.

Please contact our office at (605) 791-5900 for questions or concerns.