Root Canal Post-Op Instructions – Lorain, OH
The Key to a Smooth, Pain-Free Recovery
Remember, the recovery process is as crucial as the surgery itself. That’s why we will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions. These guidelines will serve two important purposes: they will help expedite the healing process and prevent infection. Although the exact instructions may change based on your specific dental needs, here are some general recommendations that we provide our patients.
Root Canals
It is strongly recommended to avoid eating or drinking hot beverages while you are still numb. This may cause significant damage to the gums, tongue, and/or lips.
There may be soreness in the affected area for 2 to 3 days after the procedure. Start with 2-3 tablets of 200mg/tab Ibuprofen, advil OR Motrin. Three hours later, take 2 tabs of 500mg Extra Strength Tylenol. Three hours after that, take another 2-3 tablets of 200mg Ibuprofen, Advil OR Motrin. If you are allergic to or cannot take Ibuprofen, you may only take Extra Strength Tylenol, 500 mg, one tab every four hours or as directed. If you have any concerns, consult with our office.
You may brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash anytime after the procedure, unless informed otherwise during your visit.
If you experience any swelling, you can apply ice on and off, to the outside of the treated area, for up to 48 hours or until the swelling is under control. Also, contact our office for further instructions as needed.
If there is significant pain when biting down that persists after a couple of days, contact our office as a bite adjustment may be needed in your treated tooth.
To allow for adequate recovery, avoid heavy use of the treated tooth for up to a week following your treatment.
Remember to make an appointment with your general dentist for placement of a final restoration on the tooth (no later than one month from the completion date).
During regular business hours, you may contact our office at (440) 243-7221. For true after-hours emergencies, you may contact Dr. Vaziri at (216) 702-4372 or Dr. James at (586) 693-2528.
Surgical Root Canals
It is strongly recommended to avoid eating or drinking hot beverages while you are still numb. This may cause significant damage to the gums, tongue, and/or lips.
There may be soreness in the affected area for 2 to 3 days after the procedure. Start with 2-3 tablets of 200mg/tab Ibuprofen, advil OR Motrin. Three hours later, take 2 tabs of 500mg Extra Strength Tylenol. Three hours after that, take another 2-3 tablets of 200mg Ibuprofen, Advil OR Motrin. If you are allergic to or cannot take Ibuprofen, you may only take Extra Strength Tylenol, 500 mg, one tab every four hours or as directed. If you have any concerns, consult with our office.
You may experience increased swelling up to 72 hours after your procedure. In order to minimize the extent of swelling, it is highly recommended that you apply ice on and off, to the outside of the surgical area, for up to 48 hours after your surgery.
Brushing and flossing of the surgical quadrant should be avoided until after suture removal.
Rinse with lukewarm saltwater after each meal and avoid the use of mouthwash until after suture removal.
To prevent your sutures from coming out ahead of their intended time, avoid any unnecessary contact with the surgical area.
Take caution while biting or chewing around the surgical area until your sutures are removed. Bruising is normal after a surgical procedure.
Remember to make an appointment with us for your suture removal.
During regular business hours you may contact our office at (440) 243-7221. For true after-hours emergencies, you may contact Dr. Vaziri at (216) 702-4372 or Dr. James at (586) 693-2528
