Post-Operative Instructions Following Root Canal Therapy

🦷 Post-Operative Instructions

Root Canal Treatment

Thank you for visiting us today. Please follow the instructions below to ensure a smooth recovery after your root canal procedure.

✅ What to Expect

  • Mild pain or tenderness for a few days is normal.
  • You may experience slight swelling or sensitivity when chewing.

💊 Pain Relief

  • Take over-the-counter medications as needed:
    • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • If a prescription was given, take it as directed.
  • Avoid alcohol while taking pain medication.

🍽️ Eating and Drinking

  • Wait until numbness wears off before eating or drinking hot liquids.
  • Stick to soft foods (e.g., yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes).
  • Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration is placed.

🧼 Oral Care

  • Brush and floss normally, gently around the treated area.
  • Rinse with warm salt water (½ tsp salt in 8 oz water) 2–3 times daily to promote healing.

👑 Final Restoration

  • A permanent filling or crown is required to protect the tooth.
  • Please schedule this within the next few weeks. Delay may cause reinfection or fracture.

🚨 Contact Us If You Experience: 610-867-7112

  • Severe or increasing pain not relieved by medication
  • Significant swelling or signs of infection (fever, discharge, bad taste)
  • Loss of the temporary filling or crown
  • Allergic reactions to medication