Care Following Root Canal Therapy

Here are some instructions to help you recover smoothly after your root canal treatment:

A. Numbness

• Local Anesthesia: You may feel numb for 2-3 hours after the procedure. Be cautious not to bite your lip, cheek, or tongue while the numbness persists. 
• It can normal to experience Fleeting episodes of pain once the anesthesia wears off. 

B. Eating

• Stick to a soft diet, avoiding  hard crunchy foods that can put pressure on the treated tooth.

C.  Oral Hygiene

• Brushing and floss as normal: Continue brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, being gentle around the treated area.
• Flossing: Floss daily to remove debris and prevent plaque build-up.

D. Pain Control

• In the majority of cases you should expect the tooth to be sensitive for 2 to 4 days.  Pain should decrease with time. 

• If medications were prescribed, fill the prescription as soon as possible and start taking them as directed. 
• If you were not given a prescription pain can be controlled with either ibuprofen or acetaminophen.  Alternating the two provides very effective pain relief. That is, take ibuprofen (e.g., 400 mg), then 2 or 3 hours later take acetaminophen (e.g., 1,000 mg) and then 2 or 3 hours after that take ibuprofen again  and so on. This alternating schedule provides continuous pain relief while taking advantage of the different ways these medications work. 
• Always follow the recommended dosage and consult your dentist or doctor  if you have any underlying conditions or concerns which may prevent you from safely taking the medication.
• Always take your pain medication with a whole glass of water and with a small amount of food if the pills cause nausea.
• Do not drive or drink alcohol if you take prescription pain pills and that some antibiotics can temporarily nullify the effects of oral contraceptives

E. Antibiotics

• It is normal to have some gum swelling and infection around the tooth for several days or longer.
• We will only prescribe antibiotics if you have facial swelling or persistent infection 
• If you were prescribed Antibiotics before or after the procedure and start to feeling better, it is crucial you still complete the full course as prescribed,  This is to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent resistance.

F. Managing Jaw Discomfort
-  If you experience jaw discomfort, warm compresses used on the affected side can help alleviate pain .

If you suspect any problems, do not hesitate to call the office at 705 476-5181 or  Dr. Guy 705 499-3210

  In these cases the dentist will prescribe a pain-killer.  Advil is usually most helpful when pain is more than you can tolerate,But you could experience some or all of the following symptoms:​

VIDEO 

Post-op Instructions for a Root Canal