- We hope your experience at South Bend Endodontics has been a pleasant one. Please read these instructions carefully to participate effectively in the healing phase and proper success of the procedure performed.
- PLEASE SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DENTIST FOR A FINAL RESTORATION.
- Following root canal therapy, there may be some soreness in the area of the treated tooth for the following few days. This is due to a healing response at the root ends and the injection sites and is normal. We recommend that you take 600-800mg of Ibuprofen (3-4 Advil or Motrin tablets) every 4-6 hours after the procedure and thereafter as necessary for pain. If you cannot take Ibuprofen, Advil or Motrin due to an allergy, stomach ulcer, or as per your physician’s advice, you may take 1000mg Acetaminophen (two extra strength Tylenols) every 6 hours.
- The amount of discomfort after the root canal is dependent on the kind and the type of infection you had prior to the treatment. In general, teeth that are severely infected or present with a swelling have more discomfort after the treatment and require stronger pain medication. If a swelling results after the root canal therapy, antibiotics may be indicated. Please contact us for a prescription and follow the instructions on the bottle.
- Depending on the condition of the tooth prior to the root canal, the healing phase may be swift or lengthy. Please be patient with this process as it can take up to several days to a few weeks for proper resolution of symptoms. Most often, any remaining symptoms from the tooth will resolve in time.
- Do not chew on this tooth until your dentist completes the final restoration. Your tooth may feel sensitive to chewing pressure for several weeks after root canal treatment is finished. You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw and jaw muscles from keeping it open for an extended period of time.
- Generally, the tooth should be back to normal within a month after the completion of the treatment.
- Narcotics, if prescribed, may make you drowsy and caution should be exercised when operating dangerous machinery.
- A temporary filling is placed in the root canal treated tooth. It is common for a thin layer to wear off between appointments, however if the entire filling falls out at any time, call us immediately.
- Following root canal therapy, a final restoration has to be placed on the treated tooth by your general dentist. Failure to do so in a timely fashion will result into failure of the root canal or a possible root fracture resulting in tooth loss.
- We recommend that you continue with good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing normally.
- Following root-end surgery it’s important that you do not disturb the affected area with manipulation and touching the sutures (stitches) with your tongue. Do not lift or retract your cheek to examine the stitches. Sudden, aggressive movements and stretching of the lip (laughter) can loosen the sutures and promote some bleeding.
- A little bleeding/oozing is normal after surgery. If worried, use a warm moist tea bag for 20 min. over the area. If bleeding still continues, call us or an emergency room immediately.
- Please favor the area for the following 4 days. Follow the instructions on the medicine bottles and take your antibiotics, if prescribed, on time and for the full course of the therapy. Applying ice compress for 24 hours following the surgery is essential to reduce post-operative swelling and expedite healing.
- Swelling in the area will peak at 48-72 hours after the surgery. If you experience prolonged swelling or a rise in body temperature greater than 98.6°F, call us immediately.
- Apply the ice pack gently to the cheek for ten minute periods (10 min. on, 10 min. off) for the day of the surgery until going to bed that night.
- No aggressive rinsing or suction forces should be created in the mouth that could dislodge any effective clot. Starting tomorrow, rinsing with the prescribed rinse or warm water with 1 tsp. salt should be done gently, and twice a day (after breakfast and before going to bed) and for only a week following the surgery.
- Smoking is prohibited for 48 hours following surgery to improve healing.
- Tooth brushing can be resumed 24 hours after the surgery in the rest of the mouth, but the surgical area should be avoided for 4 days. Brushing of the surgical area after 48 hours is recommended for better healing but should be done gently to avoid gum recession.
- Eat anything besides steaming hot liquids/foods and brittle/crunchy foods such as crackers, chips, celery, peanuts, etc. Drink plenty of fluids for the next 48 hours.
- Take all your medications according to the instructions on the bottles and do not skip doses. Pain is usually not a big factor following surgery. The pain can be controlled by taking over the counter Ibuprofen.
- If surgery was performed in upper jaw and the sinus was involved, over the counter nasal sprays, such as Afrin, for a week is recommended.