Post-Op Root Canal Therapy Instructions:

In order to reduce the inflammatory response and speed up the healing process, it is very helpful to take 600 mg of Ibuprofen (i.e. 3 tabs of 200 mg Advil, Motrin, or Ibuprofen) every six (6) hours once the procedure is finished, even if the tooth is not sore when the anesthetic wears off.

Continue taking the 600 mg ibuprofen, only if necessary. If unable to take Ibuprofen or NSAIDs, take 500 mg Tylenol or acetaminophen. Avoid chewing on the tooth until the tenderness is gone.

The jaw muscles will be sore from having your mouth open for an extended time, and the anesthetic injection site may also be sore. The clamp used around your tooth to secure the rubber dam may also cause irritation to the gum tissue for a few days. Rinsing with warm salt water a couple times per day may help with gum discomfort and a warm compress applied to the jaw muscles may ease soreness. If swelling develops or pain increases, contact our office.

Although the root or roots are permanently sealed, the outer surface is filled with a temporary filling. The temporary filling will be hard enough for you to eat after two hours, however, we recommend chewing food on the opposite side of your mouth to protect the tooth until the permanent filling on the top of the tooth is placed by your general dentist. Please avoid chewing any foods that are hard or sticky as this may result in loss of the temporary filling.

If the tooth does not get the necessary permanent restoration or the temporary restoration wears out, the root canal will become infected and will require retreatment or extraction. Please follow up with your general dentist immediately.

In case of emergency, please contact us.