ROOT CANAL THERAPY - POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Expect your tooth to be sore to touch or pressure following treatment. These symptoms usually begin to subside after a couple of days / 1 week but can last a longer period. Anti-inflammatory medications will help to diminish and shorten these symptoms.
Take prescribed anti-inflammatory medication as directed until all medication is consumed. Take pain relievers as directed but only as often as is necessary to manage the discomfort. Ideally, pain medication should be taken BEFORE numbness wears off. For the first 72 hours one or two 200 mg tablets of Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Rupan, Advil, Motrin) should be taken every four to six hours. In addition you may use a very effective analgesic and antipyretic agent, Acetaminophen (Tylenol Extra Strength, Paracetamol), one or two every six hours. Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this side-effect.
Do not exceed the medication intake if the tooth becomes normal after 3 days. It happens on a regular basis. Do not interrupt medication sooner, no matter the tooth seems to be painless. It is strongly recommended to take the medicine even in the absence of symptoms for the initial 3 days following treatment.
Eat and drink as soon as the numbness wears off. There are no dietary restraints, however, do not bite or chew excessively on your endodontically treated tooth until a final permanent restoration has been made.
Brush and clean your teeth as usual.
Your tooth currently has a relatively strong temporary restoration. Please return to the dental office to have a permanent restoration placed as soon as possible. We recommend that almost all back teeth receive full crown coverage. A delay in permanently restoring your tooth increases the chance of fractures and/or reinfection of the root canal due to leakage. This can result in the need for retreatment, surgery or extraction.
X-rays taken prior to final restoration appointment will permit us to review the healing process following your treatment. A tooth that has had appropriate endodontic treatment followed by a proper restoration can last as long as your other natural teeth. Therefore, it is important that endodontically treated teeth be re-examined regularly, since a small percentage of these do not heal completely.
Should pain become severe or swelling should occur inside or outside your mouth, please contact our office. If you should experience swelling, fever or discomfort which is not alleviated by medication, please contact our office.
Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns.