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Post-Op Instructions.
Root Canal Therapy
During today’s treatment, we completed a root canal on your tooth. On the treated tooth you may notice:
- Soreness or tenderness to pressure/biting: This should only be mild to moderate but is normal after a root canal and should improve over 3–4 days.
- If a crown is planned for this tooth: You may notice the shape of the tooth is a bit unusual. A large filling called a buildup was placed and is intended as a foundation under the future crown. This shape and texture will not be permanent.
Recommendations:
- Unless instructed otherwise by our dentist or your primary care physician, take Tylenol and Ibuprofen 3 times daily as instructed on the packaging for at least 48 hours.
- If a crown is planned, avoid chewing on the side of the treated tooth. The tooth will be weaker until the crown is completed.
- If you have any significant swelling, increasing discomfort, or any other questions/concerns, please don’t hesitate to call.
Fillings
During today’s treatment, we completed one or more fillings for you. On the teeth that were treated, you may notice:
- Rough surface texture. This is residue from the bonding agent and will become smooth with normal brushing in 2–3 days.
- Mild sensitivity to cold or biting that can last for up to two weeks. We expect this to gradually improve during that time.
You should not have any sharp edges, and your bite should feel normal after approximately 24 hours. If any of the above symptoms persist longer than expected—or if you have any other concerns—please reach out! We want to make sure everything feels comfortable for you.
Extractions
During today’s treatment, we extracted one or more teeth. Below are instructions on how to care for the extraction site:
- Continue biting on the gauze over the extraction site and switch it out with gauze provided as needed. Wet the new gauze before placing it.
- Avoid negative suction pressure for 4 days. This includes straws, cigarettes, spitting, mouth rinsing/swishing, or any other sucking pressure. This will help prevent dry socket.
- Minor pain, swelling, bruising, jaw/ear discomfort, or sore throat is normal after extractions.
- Avoid heavy lifting for 48 hours.
- Brush your teeth gently around the extraction site, but do not brush directly on it.
- Begin warm saltwater rinses after 24 hours. Mix 1 tablespoon of salt with 8oz of warm water. Gently roll your head side to side. Do not swish or spit—let the water gently run out.
- Apply a cold compress to your face near the extraction site: 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off throughout the day.
- Take medications as prescribed.
Please call if you experience any of the following:
- Fever over 101°F
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Severe pain
- A bad taste or odor in your mouth
- Any other unusual symptoms
Crown Preparation
During today’s treatment we prepared your tooth for a crown and a temporary crown was placed. On the tooth that was treated you may notice:
- A rough surface or unusual shape. Temporary crown material is different than the final crown.
- Mild to moderate sensitivity to biting or cold temperatures. This will improve when the final crown is delivered.
- Sensitive gums. We recommend rinsing with a salt water solution (one tablespoon of table salt in 8oz of warm water) 2–3 times a day.
Please follow these instructions to help protect the temporary for the next 2–3 weeks:
- Avoid chewing on the temporary crown, especially with food that is hard, crunchy, or sticky.
- When flossing, snap floss between the surrounding teeth, but slide floss out when removing it.
- If using a water flosser, choose a low power setting around the temporary crown.
- If the temporary crown breaks or comes out, please contact us to replace it.
Crown Delivery
During today’s treatment, we delivered your final crown. On the treated tooth you may notice:
- Some soreness to biting or cold/hot temperatures. This should last no longer than two weeks before beginning to improve and eventually subside completely.
- Some cement residue or small pieces. These can be spit into the sink, but are not harmful if accidentally swallowed.
Please follow these instructions to help protect your crown moving forward:
- No eating for 1 hour after the crown is delivered.
- No hard, sticky or crunchy food and no flossing for 24 hours. Generally chewing on the other side for this time period is safe when possible.
- Be critical of how the crown feels for you. If your bite feels unusual or you have any concerns whatsoever, don’t hesitate to call.