Root Canal Treatment Post-Operative Care Instructions

Though some of the root canal treatment that Dr. Antolin perform are completed in 1 appointment, root canal therapy may take more than 1 appointment to complete.

Since an anesthetic has been used, parts of your mouth may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid chewing and drinking hot beverages until the numbness has worn off.

To safeguard the tooth between sessions, a temporary filling is applied. It is usual for a tiny amount of your temporary filling to wear away or break off, which is not an issue. If the entire filling falls out, please contact our office to schedule a replacement appointment.

It is common to have soreness for many days following a root canal. Taking your medication precisely as prescribed will maximize its efficacy and dramatically reduce the likelihood of unpleasant side effects.

For a minimum of 24 hours rotate Ibuprofen (Advil) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 3 hours

Do NOT exceed 2400 mg (12 tabs) of Ibuprofen in a 24-hour period!!!

Do NOT exceed 4000 mg (8 tabs) of Tylenol in a 24-hour period!!!

***IF pain worsens, replace the Acetaminophen with your prescribed pain medication

If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them as directed, even if all signs and symptoms of infection are gone

Avoid eating hard or sticky foods (such as gum) and chew on the opposite side of your mouth to protect the tooth and keep the temporary filling in place. Continue brushing and flossing as usual. The final phase of a root canal procedure is typically the installation of a crown or permanent filling. A crown will safeguard the tooth from future breakage.

If you have signs of swelling or increasing pain, or if you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our office at (682) 237‐2353.