Now that you've had ROOT CANAL TREATMENT…
 
Do not bite or chew on the tooth for at least one week.
You may prefer a soft diet for a day or two after the procedure.  The jaw around and beneath the tooth will likely be quite tender to pressure, due to the root canal work itself and due to surrounding inflammation and/or infection.  This is quite normal, and may persist 5 to 7 days on average.
 
This tooth can no longer feel heat, cold, or sweet sensitivity.
After the internal nerve has been taken away, a tooth cannot respond to these stimuli.

Pain medications may be helpful.
Some over-the-counter pain medications such as 600 mg ibuprofen (=3 tablets Advil or Motrin IB) taken every six hours can be useful to decrease inflammation and ease your discomfort.  If necessary, two tablets of Tylenol (either regular=650mg, or extra strength=1000 mg) may be used every six hours in tandem with, or instead of, the ibuprofen.  Avoid any medications to which you are allergic.

Prescription medications may be prescribed for you.
Typically, prescriptions will be for antibiotics, analgesics, or antiseptic rinses.  Follow the printed instructions carefully.

Keep up the oral hygiene.
Brush and floss all of your teeth as you usually would.  Even if the treated tooth is sore, do your best to keep it and the surrounding gums clean.
 
Follow up with your restorative dentist.
If the treated tooth will need a new crown, please contact your restorative dentist soon after completion of the root canal to make an appointment for that procedure.  For your comfort, you may wish to wait one or two weeks before initiating the restorative work.  Be aware that the tooth is susceptible to fracture and you should not chew/bite hard foods until it is protected with the crown.
 
Please return for follow-up or recall if requested by the doctor.  Always feel free to call us if you have any questions.  Thank you very much for letting us take care of you!!                               

Now that you have had surgical root canal treatment....
 
Take it easy.  Try to postpone any vigorous physical activity until tomorrow.

  Apply a facial icepack over the surgical site for ten minutes, then remove the pack for ten minutes.  Repeat as often as you can, for up to six hours immediately after the surgery to reduce swelling.
 
Mild inflammatory swelling for several days is normal, and may actually get worse the second day before it begins to subside.
 
Taking 400 to 600mgs of Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil or Motrin) every six hours will help reduce inflammation and discomfort.  500 to 1000mgs of Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) can be used instead (if not allergic), if you cannot take anti-inflammatory analgesics.  Use any prescription medications as directed.
 
Do not pull on your lips or cheek, so you will not disturb the sutures (stitches).
 
A soft diet and plenty of fluids are recommended for the first day. Avoid alcohol and smoking, as these can retard the healing process.
 
While gentle oral rinsing is okay the day of the procedure, do not brush your teeth until the following day.  Be very careful and gentle around the treated area.  Your toothbrush may appear pink due to oozing from the tissues for several days.  If a mouth rinse has been prescribed, use as directed.
 
If you have been informed of the presence of a sinus perforation, you may experience nosebleeds over the next couple of days.  Avoid blowing your nose, and use an over-the-counter decongestant if you develop stuffiness.
 
Please return to our office for suture removal and all scheduled followup visits.  Do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions or concerns. 

Thank you!

(310) 325-3100 Ellis Endodontics