Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth.

This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.

NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications.

Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately. The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.

What to expect after your root canal treatment has been completed

Should you experience discomfort for a day or two, please do not be alarmed – this is common. Ibuprofen (Advil) should relieve this situation and we recommend that you take up to 800 mg (with food) every 6 hours for the next 3 days. This dosage of ibuprofen is primarily intended to reduce inflammation as well as to relieve discomfort associated with the endodontically treated tooth. Soaking the treated area with a teaspoon of table salt in a glass of comfortably hot water also helps reduce the inflammation.

Typically the endodontically treated tooth has been weakened by previous decay and fillings. The opening in the tooth through which root canal treatment was done has been filled with a temporary filling (unless the tooth already has a crown on it, in which case we may have permanently sealed it). In order to prevent a fracture, it is usually necessary for this tooth to receive additional protection in the form of a cast restoration (onlay or crown). A note and radiograph are being sent to your general dentist informing him/her that treatment has been completed. You should arrange to se him/her within the next few weeks as he/she is best qualified to determine how to restore your tooth.

If you have any questions, or difficulties arise as a consequence of your treatment, please do not hesitate to call the office.