A root canal treatment helps save your tooth by removing infection and pain, but some discomfort is normal as your mouth heals. Follow these instructions carefully for a smooth recovery, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any concerns.
When to Contact Us
Reach out to us immediately if you experience:
- Severe Pain or Swelling: If discomfort worsens or persists beyond 2-3 days.
- Reaction to Medication: If you experience any adverse reaction to prescribed medication.
- Uneven Bite: If your bite feels uneven after the anesthesia wears off, contact us for a quick adjustment to prevent tooth or nerve damage.
Post-Treatment Care Instructions
1. Eating and Drinking:
- Avoid Eating: Wait until the anesthesia completely wears off before eating to prevent accidental injury.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Refrain from chewing hard foods like nuts, pretzels, or ice until your tooth has been fully restored.
2. Oral Hygiene:
- Brush and floss your teeth as usual, unless your dentist advises otherwise.
3. Medication:
- If prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course, even if symptoms improve.
4. Managing Discomfort:
- Normal Discomfort: Some soreness around the treated area is normal for a few days and may be caused by:
- Soreness in the jaw from keeping your mouth open during the procedure.
- Tenderness at the injection site.
- Inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
- For Pain Relief:
- Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 glass of warm water) 2-3 times daily to reduce soreness.
- Take any prescribed pain medication as directed, preferably before the anesthesia wears off.
- If no prescription was given, over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
5. Flare-Ups:
- While uncommon, flare-ups may occur in 5% of cases and can include:
- Moderate to severe pain.
- Swelling (sometimes as large as a golf ball).
- Bruising or throbbing.
- General discomfort.
- Flare-ups typically begin within a few hours after treatment and last 2-3 days. Contact us if these symptoms occur.
Important Notes
- Final Restoration: Your tooth will need a permanent filling or crown after the root canal. Schedule this follow-up appointment as soon as possible to protect the tooth from further damage or infection.
- Long-Term Care: Maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
This instruction applies to Endodontics services, specifically root canal treatments.