Root Canal Aftercare Instructions

Root Canal Aftercare Instructions

Recovering from a root canal treatment is a process, and it's essential that you understand the necessary aftercare instructions to ensure your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible. The team at La Jolla Micro Endodontics are here to guide you through this process, providing you with the best possible care.

Next Steps in Your Treatment

If your treatment requires more than one visit, it's crucial that you return to our office as scheduled to complete the root canal. Depending on the amount of anesthesia used during your treatment, you should exercise caution while eating to prevent biting your cheek, lip, or tongue. Until the final filling or crown is placed, which provides strength to your tooth, be selective with your food choices, avoiding those foods that exert too much force on your tooth. It's completely normal to experience some degree of tenderness for a few days, even if you were not experiencing any discomfort prior to treatment.

If Your Root Canal is Completed with a Temporary Filling

Once the canal or canals have been sealed, your immune system needs time to repair the damage caused by the original irritant. During this time, avoid chewing on the treated tooth until all tenderness has subsided. The outer surface of the tooth is filled with a temporary filling, which is only meant to last for several weeks. Therefore, it's imperative to return to your general dentist as soon as possible for your permanent filling or crown. A letter and copy of your final radiographs will be sent to your general dentist, and it's recommended that you schedule your permanent restoration (crown or filling) within a month, ideally sooner, unless instructed otherwise.

What to Expect Following Treatment

After the procedure, as the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some tenderness and mild soreness in your jaw from keeping your mouth open for an extended period. These temporary symptoms usually respond well to over-the-counter medication.

Wait until the numbness in your mouth wears off before eating to avoid biting your cheek, lips, or tongue. Be cautious while chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored (permanent filling or crown) to avoid damaging it. Regular oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing daily are vital to keep the area clean and prevent infection.

Though your treated tooth may feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time, contact our office immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain or pressure lasting more than a few days
• Visible swelling inside or outside your mouth
• An allergic reaction to any medication (rash, hives, or itching)
• Uneven bite
• The temporary crown or filling comes out (losing a thin layer is normal)
• Symptoms you experienced prior to treatment return
• Pain Management Tips

Discomfort can be managed with the help of over-the-counter medications. Ibuprofen/Advil, Tylenol Extra Strength, and Aleve or Aspirin can be used as directed. Warm salt water rinses can also be beneficial. If you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with these medications, or if swelling develops, please contact our office immediately.

Post-Surgery Instructions

Medications

Follow the instructions provided for the prescribed medication to control post-surgery discomfort. Never exceed the dosage listed, and always take the medication with food to minimize potential nausea or upset stomach. Avoid alcohol, operating motor vehicles, or machinery while taking narcotics.

Swelling & Bruising

Swelling and bruising are common after endodontic surgery and may appear anytime from immediately after surgery up to 2-3 days later. If swelling increases after the first day, especially if accompanied by fever and pain, contact our office immediately.

Ice Packs

To minimize swelling, apply ice packs over the surgical area: 30 mins on, 30 mins off. Repeat this cycle as much as possible for 24 hours post-surgery.

Bleeding

There should be no heavy bleeding following the surgery. Some oozing, causing saliva to have a pink tinge, is normal for several hours following the surgery.

Activity

Reduce activity as much as possible in the first week following surgery. Rest is crucial.

Smoking/Vaping

Smoking or vaping during the healing process, particularly within the first 48 hours after surgery, may increase the risk of reinfection and inhibit healing.

Eating

A soft food diet is advisable for the first 2-3 days after the surgery. Maximizing fluid intake is crucial. Avoid hot, spicy, and hard foods, and refrain from drinking through a straw for one week following surgery.

Oral Hygiene

Rinse the surgical area with one capful of Peridex twice a day until the bottle is empty (morning and night). Do not swallow the mouth rinse. Avoid brushing the surgical area for 3 days but continue to brush all other areas as usual.

Sutures

Sutures will be removed about one week after surgery. Avoid lifting or unnecessarily to prevent accidentally tearing or loosening the sutures, which could open the incision and delay healing.

Root canal treatment is a significant procedure, and appropriate aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery. Your doctor and the team at La Jolla Micro Endodontics are committed to ensuring that your experience is as comfortable as possible. Following these aftercare instructions can help reduce discomfort and potential complications, speeding up your recovery process. Always remember that we are here to support you every step of the way.