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 muscles 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:

• 800 mg Ibuprofen (4-200mg over-the-counter pills of Advil or Motrin or generic equivalent) every 8 hours. If you cannot take Ibuprofen, you can take 1000 mg of Acetaminophen every 8 hours.
• If Motrin alone is not working you can add 1000mg Acetaminophen (2 extra strength Tylenol or generic equivalent) every 8 hours. If taking both medications alternate between Motrin and Tylenol; taking 1 medication every 4 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.

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.

POST-OPERATIVE ENDODONTIC SURGICAL INSTRUCTIONS
 

BLEEDING/SWELLING - Some discomfort is normal following apical surgery. During the first 24 hours you may notice some pink saliva and slight swelling. After a few days, bruising may occur. If you have bleeding, place moistened folded gauze adjacent to the area and apply an ice pack over the area. Keep the gauze in place for 20 minutes and replace if needed.

ICE - Apply ice to the surgical site for 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off for the first 24 hours after surgery.

SUTURES - Sutures were placed to close the surgical site. Please don't lift your lip to look at the surgical area; it can stretch and break the sutures. Avoid chewing food near the surgical area and eat a soft diet for the next few days. The sutures will be removed 4-7 days after surgery.

MEDICATIONS - Please follow the medication protocol below if you have discomfort:

• 800 mg ibuprofen (4-200mg over-the-counter pills of Advil or Motrin or generic equivalent) every 8 hours.
• If you cannot take Ibuprofen, take 1000mg Acetaminophen (2 extra strength Tylenol or generic equivalent) every 8 hours.
• If your pain is not being managed with Ibuprofen alone, you may alternate 800 mg Ibuprofen and 1000 mg Tylenol. Take 1 of the medications every 4 hours; alternating so you don’t take the same medication consecutively.
• WOMEN - If you have been prescribed an antibiotic and you are taking birth control pills, alternate methods of birth control will need to be used for at least a month.

GENERAL CARE INSTRUCTIONS - Don’t brush the area for 1 week. You may brush the rest of your mouth and tongue. Don't rinse vigorously as it may stretch the tissue and break the sutures. You should swish gently. You may have been given a Prescription mouth rinse called Peridex to use. Please follow directions.

POST-OP RECALL VISITS:

• 1-week suture removal. At this appointment, we will remove the sutures that were placed during the apicoectomy. Initial healing will be assessed.
• 1-month tissue check. At this appointment, we will assess healing with the tissue.
• 6-month recall. At this appointment, we will take a CBCT (3D scan) and periapical x-ray to assess bone healing.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at (605) 791-5900.