When to Contact the Office

• Swelling that worsens after 2-3 days.
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
• Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, pus, or redness.
• Pain that doesn’t improve after taking pain medication, severe pain that lasts more than four hours, or worsening days after the procedure.

After Care Instructions

• Numbness the local anesthetic will cause you to be numb for several hours after you leave the office. Be very careful not to bite, chew, pinch, or scratch the numb area.
• Pain Management
  • If needed, take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
  • Apply an ice pack to your cheek near the treated area to reduce any swelling or discomfort. Apply 10-20 minutes on, and 10-20 minutes off.
  • It is fairly common for the jaw and gums to be sore following the procedure.
  • Healing after root canal therapy is highly dependent upon the condition of the tooth prior to the procedure. Some teeth take longer to heal.
• Eating & Drinking
  • Avoid eating until the numbness from the anesthesia wears off to prevent biting your cheek, tongue, and any areas you cannot feel.
  • Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side of your mouth for a few days.
  • Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks as your tooth may be sensitive.
• Oral Hygiene
  • Continue brushing and flossing your teeth as normal, but be gentle around the treated area.
  • Use a mouth rinse if recommended by your dentist to keep the area clean.
• Follow-up Care
  • Attend any follow-up appointments as scheduled to ensure proper healing and to discuss if a crown or other restoration is needed.
• Temporary Filling
  • If you received a temporary filling, avoid chewing on the treated side until you get your definitive filling or crown (cap).
  • Be careful with hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the temporary filling.