Post-Op Care Instruction

Thank you for trusting us with your dental care. To ensure a smooth recovery following your root canal treatment, please read and follow the instructions below carefully.

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What to Expect

• Mild Discomfort or Sensitivity: It is normal to experience some discomfort or sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, especially when chewing or applying pressure to the treated tooth.
• Swelling or Tenderness: You may notice mild swelling or tenderness in the gum area surrounding the treated area.
• Temporary Filling: A temporary restoration have been placed to seal the root canal, unless your endodontist has indicated that a permanent restoration was placed. A temporary filling has been placed to seal the root canal. Since temporary filling are not as durable as permanent ones, please avoid chewing on the treated side until your tooth is fully restored.
• Follow-up Appointment with Your General Dentist: It is essential to return to your general dentist for placement of a permanent filling or crown within a few weeks to protect the tooth from fracture or re-infection. We will send your dentist a full treatment report and accompanying radiographs, typically within one day of your visit.

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Home Care Instructions

1. Pain Management
   • Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. Please verify that these medications are appropriate for you based on your medical history.
   • If you were prescribed medication, take it exactly as instructed.
2. Chewing & Eating
   • Avoid chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.
   • Refrain from eating hard or sticky foods (e.g., nuts, chewing gum, or ice) on the treated tooth until final restoration is completed.
   • We provide a visual guide with examples of foods to avoid; please note it is not an exhaustive list.
3. Oral Hygiene
   • Continue to brush and floss gently, including around the treated area.
   • If soreness is present, rinsing with warm salt water (½ tsp of salt in a cup of warm water) may provide relief.
4. Temporary Restoration Care
   • If you suspect the temporary filling is lost, use a mirror to check whether the white-colored materials remains in your tooth. Often, only the surface layer has worn away, while the main filling is still intact. In such case, no immediate action is required.
   • If the temporary filling or crown has completely dislodged, please contact our office. We typically offer same-day or next-day appointment to take care of it quickly.
   • As a temporary measure, over-the-counter dental cement (available at most pharmacies) may be used to cover the area until your appointment.
   • Avoid flossing near the temporary filling if it feels loose.

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When to Contact Us

Please call our office immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain not relieved by medication
• Swelling that increases or begins to spread
• Sings of infection, such as fever or pus
• Loss of damage to the temporary restoration

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Follow-Up Care

It is vital to complete your treatment with a permanent filling or crown placed by your general dentist. This final step helps prevent reinfection and protects the tooth from fracture

Emergency contact information

If you experience a treatment-related emergency after business hours, please contact your doctor using the emergency number provided at the completion of your treatment. Text messages may also be sent to this number.
Please note: This number is reserved for post-treatment emergencies only and should not be used for scheduling or managing appointments.