Post-op Care for Root Canal Therapy

After a root canal, you’ll need to follow specific instructions to protect your treated tooth and lower your risk of complications. Your post-op care depends on where you are in your root canal treatment journey:

If your root canal is NOT complete and you have a temporary filling inside your tooth:‍

It is essential for you to return to our office for the next step in your treatment. In the meantime:

• Do NOT eat anything for the first two hours following the procedure, as it takes time for the temporary filling to solidify.
• Beginning two hours after the procedure, you can begin eating semi-solid food only and chew on the opposite side.
• Under NO circumstances should you chew anything hard, gum, candy, or anything that is sticky on the tooth, even if you were not experiencing any discomfort prior to treatment. Doing so may lead to a fracture of your tooth.
• Following these instructions is your responsibility, and if your tooth fractures, it is your liability, and you will be responsible for the costs for treatment rendered.

If your root canal treatment is complete and has a temporary filling:‍

The canal(s) have been sealed and now need time to heal. To support healing:

• Do not chew on the tooth until you have your permanent filling.
• Attend your next dental visit to complete your restoration.

Although the roots of your tooth are permanently sealed, the outer surface is filled with a temporary restoration, which will harden within two hours of placement and may last for many weeks. However, you will need to have your permanent filling placed as soon as possible.

If your root canal treatment is now complete and has a core build-up:‍

The canal(s) have been sealed and now need time to heal. To support healing:

• Do not chew on the tooth until all the tenderness is gone.
• You now have a permanent filling, but you may still need to see your dentist for a new crown.
• Return for regular check-ups as your dentist recommends (usually every 6 months).

Local Anesthesia

The anesthesia used during your procedure will wear off within a few hours. You may experience tenderness, mild swelling, or bruising to the injection site. In rare cases, prolonged numbness can occur. Please contact our office if numbness does not wear off within 48 hours of your procedure.

Pain Management

It is normal for you to experience some degree of discomfort for a few days. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Discomfort may be alleviated by:

• Taking Aleve, ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.
• 600 mg Ibuprofen along with 500 mg Tylenol every 6 hours for 2 days as needed.
• Warm salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) may also help.
• If you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above medications or develop swelling, please contact our office. We are here to help, and are happy to do so!

Please call our office if you have any questions or difficulties. If it is after hours, follow the prompts to be connected to our answering service. If you feel that your symptoms are severe and you are unable to reach the doctor, please go to the closest hospital emergency room immediately.