Post-Op Instructions

Endodontic Home Care Instructions

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to treat you. We will constantly strive to earn your continued confidence. Please feel free to contact us whenever you have a question or concern with your tooth.

It will take time to repair the irritated and inflamed tissue that support your tooth in the jawbone. Your tooth will be tender to biting for the first few weeks, and you may notice a difference in biting for even a few months.

In order to reduce the inflammatory response and speed up the healing process, it is very helpful to take 600mg of Ibuprofen (i.e. three tabs of 200 mg Advil, Motrin, or Ibuprofen) every 6 hours for 2 days, even if the tooth is not sore when the anesthetic wears off.

If after taking the Ibuprofen you still have pain you can add every 6 hours up to 1000mg of Tylenol as well (i.e. two Extra strength Tylenol each 500mg or three Acetaminophen each 325mg).

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 anesthesia 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. If swelling developed 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 on the opposite side after two hours. Try not to eat on the side of the root canal for the first day. If the tooth does not get the necessary final restoration and the temporary filling wears out, the root canal will become infected and need re-treatment or extraction. That is why it is extremely important to follow up with your general dentist immediately.