Endodontics (Root Canal)

Endodontics Post Operative Care

Manhattan, New York

While you are anaesthetized, "frozen", and may not have feeling in the area, please avoid eating or drinking anything hot as you may not feel the heat and may burn yourself.

The tooth that has just been treated with a root canal is very sensitive to touch, biting, tapping or chewing for a few days after treatment. Try NOT to CHEW ON THAT SIDE for at least 48 hrs.

A tooth that has undergone a root canal should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth at least once a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on sugary snacks, and keep them only to mealtimes if possible. See your dentist for regular check-ups.

Discoloration - you may notice that your treated tooth (especially a front tooth) might change color. Be sure to ask your dentist about tooth whitening if the tooth is not restored with a crown.

Brittleness - a non-vital tooth is more brittle than a vital one and is more susceptible to fracture. Therefore, in most cases, it is recommended that your root canal tooth be crowned (capped) following treatment.

You may experience some discomfort on the tooth that has been treated. This may last anywhere between 7-10 days. Swelling in the affected area may also occur. These are not unusual post-operative events.

If your tooth throbs, keep your head elevated, even when lying down. Refrain from any strenuous activity.

We usually recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, or aspirin for at least three to five days following treatment. If you cannot take any anti-inflammatory medication, then take extra-strength Tylenol. If any of the recommended painkillers are not effective relieving the pain, you should call the office.

• Take all prescribed medication as directed.
• Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water (one teaspoon salt to 8 oz. of warm water) three to four times a day may also be helpful in relieving discomfort.
• If you initially feel better, but then get significantly worse two or three days after treatment, you may be experiencing what is known as a "flare-up." This is not an uncommon occurrence, but if it happens, please contact our office.
• There is usually no necessary "waiting period" for you to see your general dentist. Unless otherwise indicated, have the tooth restored as soon as possible. Do not wait more than two to four weeks.

Following Surgical Endodontics (Apicoectomy):

• Do not lift or pull on lips. This may cause tearing out of the sutures.
• Some swelling and discoloration is normal and will gradually disappear.
• To minimize swelling, use an ice pack application on the face, over the operated area. The pack should be used on for 20 minutes, off for 10 minutes, and should be continued during the first day only. Starting on the second day, rinse with warm salt water (one teaspoon to 8 oz. of warm water), as often as possible. Continue this rinsing for one week.
• Eat foods that will be nourishing but will not require vigorous chewing during the first few days, e.g., eggs, soups, milk shakes, etc.
• Slight bleeding, pain, or swelling during the first couple of days is normal.
• Brush your teeth, but be extremely careful in the operated area. Mouthwash may be used.
• For pain, ibuprofen is recommended. Follow the instruction of the your doctor concerning your medication(s).
• If you have an elevated temperature, excessive bleeding, swelling or uncontrolled discomfort, please call the office.
• There will be at least two follow-up appointments. The first follow-up will be in a few days to have your sutures removed. The second appointment will be after a few weeks, so that we may evaluate the soft tissue (gum) healing. Additional follow-up appointments may be necessary.
• We typically like to perform a follow-up exam at least six months after the treatment. We want to evaluate the treatment outcome, be sure that you have regained normal function with the tooth, and determine the presence of bone healing. There is no charge for this visit.