For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow instructions carefully.Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. We ask patients not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your restorative dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and preventive care.
Home Care Instructions
Numbness
In order to maintain optimum comfort, we use long-lasting anesthetics. Your numbness may last for several hours (in some cases, up to 12 hours or more) after the procedure is complete. To avoid injury to your lips, tongue or cheek, please wait until your numbness is gone before attempting to eat food that requires chewing. Soups and smoothies are fine! Please avoid extreme temperatures.
Inflammation
After treatment, for several days, it is normal to develop or have increasing soreness in the treatment area. Typically, this soreness may last a few days. However, in some cases, gradual improvement occurs over the course of several weeks and it may take up to 6 months for inflammation to fully subside. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen (Advil), is usually sufficient to maintain comfort and promote healing. Tylenol has limited anti-inflammatory action and may not be as effective as ibuprofen. We offer complimentary pill packs with over the counter medication that you may take every 8 hours. To accelerate healing, please take the entire packet every 8 hours and avoid chewing on that side for at least one week.
FAQ’s
Can I brush and floss like normal? Yes. There is no reason to interrupt your normal oral hygiene routine unless you have been otherwise instructed.
When can I return to work/school? Most patients find that they feel fine to return to work/school immediately following their treatment.
Please Call Us If
- you experience fever
- you may be having a reaction to medication
- you have been taking an antibiotic for 2 days and your symptoms are not improving
- you are experiencing rapid and/or severe swelling
- you have any questions or concerns.
Downloadable Instructions and Homecare Information
Preparing for Your Endodontic Treatment
Home Care for Endodontic Treatment