It's normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a root canal therapy appointment, especially when chewing. It is not uncommon for a tooth to be uncomfortable or even exhibit a dull ache immediately after treatment - this should subside within a few days (or even weeks). The tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at any time, (540) 373-0602.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PROCEDURE
- Avoid eating or drinking until anesthesia has worn off to prevent possible injury to your lips, tongue, and cheeks.
- Please avoid pressure or chewing on the tooth (teeth) that has been treated, to decrease the risk of fracture, until you have received your permanent restoration.
- Do not smoke during the first 24 hours & minimize the number of times you smoke during the healing process.
- In some cases the tooth and surrounding tissue may be sore for a few weeks following treatment.
- The three most common reasons for pain are:
- Sore jaw joint from having your mouth open for a prolonged time.
- Sore muscle from the injection site.
- Sore gum from the rubber dam placement.
SWELLING
- Applying a cold compress to the face near the treatment area will help minimize swelling. You may apply the cold compress for up to 20 minutes on and at least 20 minutes off for the next 6-8 hours as needed.
MEDICATIONS
- If you were given any prescriptions, please have them filled promptly and take as directed.
- If no prescriptions were given, you may choose to follow the Pain Management Protocol. Do not exceed the guidelines printed on the label for any medication. If you are unable to achieve adequate pain control, please call our office.
DIET & ACTIVITY
- Avoid chewing or biting (especially hard or crunchy foods) on the treatment area until your permanent restoration is placed.
- Whenever possible, try to chew on the opposite side from the treated tooth until you have a permanent restoration placed.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
ORAL HYGIENE
- You may start rinsing tomorrow, very gently, with some warm salt water (1 tsp. of salt in 8 ounces of warm water).
- Continue to brush and floss normally, but make sure to be gentle around the treated area.
- If your temporary falls out after office hours, you may purchase some temporary filling material from a pharmacy and follow the included instructions to cover the area until you can be seen in our office.
THIS SECTION IS VERY IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
While flare-ups are rare, they occur in about 5% of cases and may cause significant pain. They generally only occur with teeth that are extremely irritated and/or infected or with teeth that have a history of prior treatment. These sometimes occur randomly, even on patients that have had root canals done in the past without problems. If you have a flare-up, you may experience moderate to severe pain, swelling, throbbing, or general discomfort; please contact our office right away. You may be prescribed additional medication such as antibiotics, and/or you may be asked to come to the office for further treatment.
