Endodontics (root canal treatment) post-visit

  • It is common to experience some discomfort in the tooth or surrounding gums for 3-5 days. However, if you have pressure or moderate to severe pain that lasts more than a few days, call our office. Taking 1-2 ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin (if you can take these medications) every 4-6 hours will usually control any discomfort.
  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp. salt/8 oz. water) 2-3 times per day. If swelling develops, rinse as frequently as possible, as often as every half-hour which promotes drainage. You may place a cold pack on the swelling for 5-10 minutes each time used. Do not apply heat. If swelling or discomfort persists, please call our office. An antibiotic may be prescribed in the case of swelling.
  • If a temporary filling was placed in the tooth or a crown is recommended and not yet completed, do not chew on the tooth and avoid chewing anything hard, crunchy or especially sticky or chewy on that side until the final restoration is in place. If the temporary filling falls out, call our office so we may evaluate and place a new temporary. Root canal treatment often renders a tooth more brittle or likely to fracture, so typically a crown is recommended on any back tooth (premolars and molars) while sometimes just a filling will suffice on a front tooth. Return for final restoration as soon as possible.

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