Post-Operative Instructions: Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy may take 1–2 appointments to complete. After each appointment where anesthetic is used, your lips, tongue, teeth, and cheek may be numb for several hours.

Avoid chewing on the treated side until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent injury.

It is normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort for several days after treatment, especially when chewing. Some patients notice a dull ache immediately after treatment, even if no pain was present before. This tenderness usually improves within a few days but may last longer in some cases. This is normal and not a cause for alarm.

A temporary filling or crown is placed to protect the tooth between appointments or until final restoration.

·  It is common for a small portion of the temporary material to wear down or chip.

·  If the entire filling falls out or a temporary crown comes off, please contact our office so it can be replaced promptly.

·  Avoid chewing sticky foods (especially gum)

·  Avoid biting hard foods or objects such as ice, fingernails, or pencils

·  If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth

·  Take pain medication as recommended by your dentist.

·  If antibiotics are prescribed, take the full course as directed, even if symptoms improve.

·  If no prescription pain medication was given, over-the-counter options such as:

o  Ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®, Nuprin®)

o  Naproxen (Aleve®, Anaprox®)

may be used as directed.

If pain cannot be controlled with medication or if swelling develops, please contact our office.

·  Continue brushing and flossing normally.

·  To help reduce discomfort and inflammation, rinse three times daily with warm salt water:

o  Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water

o  Gently rinse, swish, and spit

·  Radiographs are typically taken 3–4 months after treatment to confirm healing and success of the root canal.

·  In most cases, the final step is placement of a crown on the treated tooth.

o  A crown protects the tooth from fracture and long-term failure.

o  Unless otherwise noted, it is critical to place the crown as soon as possible.

Delaying final restoration may result in fracture and possible loss of the tooth.

DO NOT chew on the treated tooth while numb

DO NOT chew hard or sticky foods on the treated side

DO NOT bite ice, fingernails, pens, or other hard objects

DO NOT ignore a lost temporary filling or crown

DO NOT stop antibiotics early if prescribed

DO NOT delay placement of the final crown

DO NOT ignore swelling, severe pain, or bite changes

Please contact us if you experience:

·  Increasing pain or swelling

·  A lost or broken temporary filling or crown

·  Pain that does not improve with medication

·  Any concerns about your bite or healing

© 2025 John E. Sullivan DDS, P.C.

This document is the property of John E. Sullivan DDS, P.C. and is intended for use within this practice only.