After Your Treatment Visit

• If part of your tongue remains numb after leaving the office use extreme caution chewing until the numbness has worn off, so that you do not inadvertently bite the side of your tongue.
• Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by inflammation or infection. 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 often be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications.
• If moderate discomfort occurs, we recommend an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, 3-4 tablets, 600-800 mg., every six hours) if you are able to use this type of medication. Aspirin as a second choice is recommended. Tylenol is a third choice for those who cannot take ibuprofen or aspirin. If a prescription pain medication is also required, take it as needed midway between doses of ibuprofen, or aspirin.
• If you were given a prescription for pain medication, do not drink alcoholic beverages, drive or operate machinery.
• If antibiotics were prescribed, be sure to follow the directions and finish the course of medication completely. If side effects occur (i.e. nausea, diarrhea, itching or rash), discontinue the antibiotic immediately and call our office.
• Avoid chewing directly on the tooth after endodontic treatment since tenderness to pressure is normal. Switching to a softer diet may be necessary but otherwise eat what is comfortable on the opposite side. Feel free to resume normal activities as soon as you are comfortable doing so. However, attempt to avoid chewing on this tooth until your general dentist has placed the final restoration.
• Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if the pain is not diminishing after several days, or if it is increasing over time, please call our office at 315-637-3930.
• After the root canal treatment was completed we placed a temporary filling in your tooth. So, it is important to return to your general dentist to have the final restoration placed. It is not unusual for a thin layer to wear off in-between appointments. However, if you think the entire filling has come out contact our office or your general dentist.
• Gently clean the tooth and tissue around the area of treatment with a soft brush. It will not damage the tooth or tissue to brush the area gently.