Post-Op Instructions
General Guidelines After Your Procedure
Please follow the instructions provided to you at the time of your appointment. Here are some general guidelines to expect:
After your root canal, it is normal to have some degree of discomfort when the numbness wears off. This discomfort usually lasts 2-3 days or sometimes up to 1 week after the procedure. This is because the area around your tooth is inflamed and needs time to heal.
Pain Management
For pain management, we recommend 600mg ibuprofen (Advil) every 6 hours as needed. If you are still having significant pain, or if you can’t take ibuprofen, you may take 2 Tylenol every 4-6 hours.
Care for Temporary Fillings
If your tooth has a temporary filling, please schedule an appointment with your dentist for a permanent filling within 30 days. If there is a temporary filling, avoid chewing on it until the next day and only chew soft foods on the tooth which has been treated. Avoid sticky or hard/crunchy foods until the tooth has been restored with a permanent filling by your dentist.
Care for Permanent Fillings
and Crowns
If a permanent filling has been placed, you may chew on it when the numbness wears off but it still may be sore for a few days. If a crown has been recommended, please schedule the crown appointment with your general dentist as soon as possible. We will send x-rays and a letter to your dentist explaining what work was done and if you need to be scheduled for a filling or crown.
When to Contact Our Office
Please call our office if you have any of the following symptoms: