Home Care Instructions |
Congratulations! By saving your tooth with root canal treatment, you have made a significant step towards better oral health. The root canal system inside your tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, shaped and sealed.
Please promptly call your dentist for an appointment to place a permanent retorations on your tooth.
Any delay in obtaining a permanent restoration may cause the tooth to fracture or may cause the tooth to become re-infected. It is normal to feel some tenderness in the area over the next few days as your body undergoes the natural healing process. You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time.
These symptoms are temporary and usually respond very well to over-the-counter pain medications. It is important for you to follow the instructions on how to take these medications.
We recommend, before the anesthetic wears off, to take anti-inflammatory medication (Advil, Motrin or ibuprofen). Take 600mg for the first 48 hours every 4-6 hours. If you are allergic to ibuprofen, substitute with two Tylenol tablets every 4 hours.
ANTIBIOTICS: If prescribed, take as directed until all medication has been taken. If you have any reactions, discontinue immediately and notify the office.
PAIN MEDICATION: If prescribed, take as needed and as directed. If any adverse reactions occur, discontinue and notify the office.
Narcotic medications, if prescribed, may make you drowsy and caution should be exercised when operating dangerous machinery or driving a car.
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 our office immediately.
- Do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until it is restored by your dentist.
- Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would do.
- 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 our office.
- Contact our office right away if you develop any of the following:
- Visible swelling inside or outside of your mouth.
- Allergic reaction to medication, including rash, hives or itching (nausea is not an allergic reaction).
- Return of original symptoms.
- Significant pain.
- Bite feels high or uneven.
