Post-Operative Instructions

Please select the procedure you received to see a summary of post-op instructions. Call us if you have any questions:

Root Canal Treatment

  1. You may experience moderate pain and sensitivity following treatment. Also, the gums around your tooth may be sore for a few days. The healing process may take several days but the pain and discomfort should subside gradually.
  2. Take any medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.
  3. Usually a permanent filling has been placed to seal your tooth; do not bite on the tooth for one hour and while you are numb. If a temporary restoration has been placed, be very gentle with the tooth. Try to chew with the opposite side. Follow up with your dentist for the permanent restoration as soon as possible. Any unnecessary delay in placement of the final restoration, may damage the tooth or contaminate the root canal.
  4. Continue your brushing and flossing.
  5. Follow up with your dentist for the permanent crown as soon as possible.
  6. Call our office if you are in severe pain or experience swelling, or if you have any questions.

Apicoectomy (Root Canal Surgery)

  1. Swelling, minor pain and/or skin discoloration may be experienced following the surgical procedure. This will be temporary.
  2. In order to keep the swelling to a minimum, use an ice pack for the first few hours after surgery (on for 10 minutes and off for 5 minutes).
  3. The day after the surgery, use lukewarm water rinses for the treated area following each meal. This should continue for the first 3 days following the surgical procedure.
  4. Eat only soft foods. Avoid hard and chewy foods.
  5. Get plenty of rest and insure normal intake of food, especially liquids such as fruit juices, soup, and milk. Use a vitamin supplement if desired. Try not to sleep on the operated area for 2-3 days.
  6. DO NOT raise your lips with your fingers to inspect the treated area.
  7. DO NOT brush the gums near the surgical site. Brush only the teeth in the surgical site. Brush teeth/gums in the rest of your mouth, as normal.
  8. There is often a temporary loss of feeling in the operated area and the tooth may feel loose.
  9. Take all medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.
  10. Should any difficulties occur, do not hesitate to call our office anytime. In case of serious emergencies call 911.