Here is what to expect after Root Canal Therapy.
Numbness
Long acting anesthetic was used during your treatment. You can expect the numbness to last for 1 to 3 hours after your appointment.
Post-Procedure Discomfort
It is normal to experience some tenderness after your root canal therapy. The sensation should subside within a day or two following treatment. Occasionally, it may last up to one week. It is important that you continue to take an anti-inflammatory (one of the two listed below) as the doctor prescribes:
- 600-800 mg of Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) every 6 hours for 2-3 days
- 500 mg of Naproxen Sodium (Aleve®) every 12 hours for 2-3 day
The doctor may prescribe a pain medication for you; take this as directed. Continue to take the anti-inflammatory in addition to the pain medication. Do NOT wait until you have discomfort to begin taking one of the above medications. It is much more difficult to reduce discomfort once it has started.
Antibiotics
In an effort to help minimize the continued progression of Antibiotic Resistant Organisms, our office will only prescribe antibiotics when diffuse swelling, fever, malaise and progressing infection are present. It is typically unnecessary to need antibiotic coverage after root canal
therapy has been completed, since the infection has been eliminated from your tooth.
Swelling
Occasionally, swelling may occur in the area of treatment. If this occurs, please contact our office for further evaluation of your condition.
Temporary Fillings
The opening in your tooth that the root canal was performed through is sealed with a temporary restoration. It is important to have this temporary filling replaced with a permanent restoration within one month of your root canal procedure to prevent re-infection of the tooth’s canal(s).
Future Restorations
Often times, decay, previous fillings, infection, or the root canal procedure itself have weakened the treated tooth. Therefore, it is often necessary for this tooth to receive additional protection, such as a crown, to offer the best long-term prognosis.
Follow-up Care
As part of the procedure, we will take x-rays of the tooth periodically to monitor your healing. These usually occur at 6 month and 1 year intervals.
It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. These instructions are given to assist you following your treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your progress, please call our office at 763-416-2006.
Root Canal Therapy Post-Op Instructions (PDF)