Instructions

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER MY ROOT CANAL? 

Your tooth and its surrounding gum tissues may be somewhat tender for several days. This is a result of the infection that brought you into our office as well as the endodontic manipulation during treatment. This is absolutely normal and is part of the healing process. You can expect your tooth to be sore for about 3-5 days. When you touch it, brush it, and chew, it will be tender. Note: The more your tooth hurt to biting prior to the procedure, the more tender it will be after the procedure.

Every patient is different and there are varying levels of discomfort depending on the status of the tooth prior to treatment. Some patients may even have discomfort for longer (i.e. two weeks). As long as it lessens every day, then you are headed in the right direction. Your tooth is more prone to fracture immediately after endodontic treatment. You should chew on the other side until your restorative dentist has placed a protective restoration, usually a crown. Continue to brush and floss the area normally.

Pain Management Medications

  • 400- 600mg ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) every 6 hours – Do not exceed 3200mg/24 hours. 
  • Over the Counter= 200mg/ tablet

Patients who can not take ibuprofen

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650mg every 6 hours- Do not exceed 3000mg/24 hours.
  • Regular (325mg) and Extra Strength (500mg).  Do

WHAT IF I HAVE SWELLING AFTER TREATMENT?

If you experience any swelling after treatment or your pain is not responding to the medication, please call the office and we will prescribe you an antibiotic and/or steroid. Do not be alarmed if this happens as it sometimes can occur after treatment.  If you have been prescribed an antibiotic and are experiencing significant diarrhea, discontinue the antibiotic immediately and call our office. This side effect can happen with any antibiotic, but is more common with Clindamycin. We also suggest taking a probiotic or eating yogurt when taking any antibiotic.

WHAT DO I AFTER MY ROOT CANAL IS COMPLETED?

At the completion of your root canal, your regular dentist will be sent a full report with your radiographs so he/she knows your treatment with our office is completed. A restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please make an appointment with your general dentist within a few weeks for a final restoration on the treated tooth. If your dentist is booked out longer, please do not panic, but take their first available appointment. We would like to see you for a follow-up appointment to evaluate for proper healing.

WHAT IF I NEED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE AFTER HOURS?

Call our office at 831-475-1234 to leave a message. If you have an emergency that can not wait, key in # to be connected to our answering service and Dr. Le will speak to you personally.