After Care Instructions
Root Canal
Now that you have had root canal therapy, it is important to follow these recommendations to ensure proper healing.
Chewing and eating
Wait until numbness wears off completely. Your lips, teeth, cheeks, and tongue may be numb for several hours.
Brush and floss normally.
Medications and discomfort
If antibiotics were prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.
To control discomfort, take pain medication before the anesthetic has worn off or as recommended. It is normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a root canal, especially when chewing.
To further reduce discomfort or swelling, rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water. Use about one teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water.
Caring for a temporary restoration
To keep your temporary filling or crown in place, avoid eating hard or sticky foods, especially chewing gum. If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth.
It is not a problem for a small portion of a temporary filling to wear away or break off, but if the entire filling wears out, or if a temporary crown comes off, call us so that it can be replaced.
When to call us
Call our office if your bite feels uneven, if you have sensitivity or discomfort that increases or continues beyond three or four days, if your temporary filling or crown comes off, or if you have any questions or concerns.