Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue will be sore for a few days after root canal treatment and soreness can continue for up to one week. Your tooth may feel differently during the second and third weeks after treatment, but by the fourth week, it should feel like your other teeth. Please avoid chewing food on the treated side of your mouth until your endodontic therapy is complete and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration, such as a filling or crown. Please be especially careful when chewing in cases where there is a temporary filling and/or while the area is still numb.
Discomfort may be alleviated with ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) taken up to 600mg every 4-6 hours. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also be used as directed as an alternative for those unable to take ibuprofen. If any other medications—such as antibiotics—have been prescribed, please take them as directed.
Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications or should swelling develop, please contact our office immediately for special instructions that may include further medications and/or an additional visit to our office.
If treatment is not yet complete, please make an appointment for continuation of treatment within our recommended timeframe. If treatment is complete, please contact your general dentist at your earliest convenience to schedule the definitive restoration and/or continuation of comprehensive care. A letter and copy of your final x-rays will be sent to your general dentist.
We are always available for additional questions and concerns. Please do not hesitate to call our office at any time. Our voicemail is checked regularly after hours and on the weekend for emergencies.
