Post Operation Patient Care Instructions
Post Op: Root Canal Therapy
ACTIVITY: After leaving our office today,
we suggest you consider relaxing or at least limiting your activity
for an hour or two. Avoid strenuous activity and all aerobic
exercise today such as running, tennis, weight lifting etc.
DISCOMFORT: It is normal to experience
some discomfort for several days after a root canal appointment,
especially when chewing. Your doctor will review specific
instructions for you, but generally, 400 to 800mg Ibuprofen (i.e.
two to four over-the-counter tablets of Advil, Motrin, or generic
ibuprofen) every six hours, is all that is needed for
post-operative soreness. If you have an allergy or sensitivity to
Ibuprofen, or have been advised not to use it, you may take up to
1000mg of Acetaminophen (i.e. three regular Tylenol tablets or two
extra-strength Tylenol tablets) every six hours. It is a good idea
to take these medicines for one to two days even if the tooth is
not sore to help prevent soreness. If more severe discomfort is
anticipated, we will prescribe medicines to be used as
directed.
INFECTION: Sometimes an infection is
already present when we begin a root canal. If antibiotics
are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of
time, even if all signs and symptoms of infection are gone.
If you experience signs of infection or swelling after your root
canal has been started and are not on antibiotics, please call our
office as we may recommend you begin antibiotic therapy.
ORAL HYGIENE: It is important to continue
to brush and floss normally to keep the area clean.
EATING AND DRINKING: After each
appointment when anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth and
tongue may be numb for several hours. Avoid chewing until the
numbness has worn off. Root canal therapy often takes more
than one visit to complete, and a temporary filling will be placed
to help protect the tooth. Between appointments, it is common
(and not a problem) for a small portion of your temporary filling
to wear away or break off. If the entire filling falls out, please
call our office so it can be replaced. To protect the tooth
and help keep your temporary in place, avoid chewing sticky foods
(especially gum), avoid hard foods, and if possible, chew on the
opposite side of your mouth.
If your bite feels uneven, you have persistent pain or pressure,
or you have any other questions or concerns, please call our
Binghamton office at 724-1389, or our Vestal office at
748-3349.
