Home Care Instructions

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. As root canal therapy can sometimes cause pain ranging from mild to moderate to even infrequently severe discomfort, we especially recommend anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, Motrin, aspirin, Aleve and others). It is recommended that these medications be taken prior to the anesthetic wearing off. They should then be taken in sufficient quantity to minimize any emerging pain. Please consult the post-operative sheet provided to you for recommended dosage amounts. Tylenol is also an effective pain control medication, but is not anti-inflammotory. As such, it should be taken in combination with anti-inflammatories (alternating every 3 hours) in cases where moderate to severe pain is anticipated or encountered. If the doctor feels you will need additional pain control medication, he may provide you with a stronger prescriptive-strength medication.

NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately.

The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.