Root Canal

Post Operative Root Canal Therapy

Following root canal therapy, it is not uncommon to experience some discomfort. On rare occasions, this discomfort may be significant. The process of root canal therapy includes removal of the pulp (nerve) tissue to the root tip(s). This will cause inflammation in the bone tissue surrounding the root tip. This inflammation can be uncomfortable, but should respond to anti-inflammatory medications. After the first 48 hours, your tooth should feel significantly better.

Occasionally, antibiotics may be necessary.

If you are given prescription medication, please fill and take them. Your prescriptions will be much more effective if taken before the onset of discomfort.

Your tooth will feel better if you follow these instructions:

• Try not to use the tooth for chewing for 72 hours, as this will cause further inflammation in the surrounding bone tissue.
• You may have slight swelling in the tissues surrounding the tooth if a rubber dam was used for isolation. Warm salt water rinses will help. Also, gently brushing and flossing the area will speed recovery.
• Take 600mg ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) every 6 hours for the next couple of days.

If you experience swelling or moderate to severe pain that was not present before the root canal therapy, please call our office at 701-235-1261.