Post-Operative Instructions Following Endodontic Therapy

After endodontic therapy is completed, some discomfort is to be expected. The doctor and/or assistant will provide the initial dose of pain relief in office before the completion of the appointment.

The pill packet provided contains one 800mg tablet of Ibuprofen/Advil and two extra strength Tylenol/Acetaminophen (500mg each; 1000mg total). All tablets are to be taken immediately after the procedure. It is advised to wait 6 hours after taking the pill packet before continuing with any additional pain relief tablets as needed.

The tooth may be achy, tender, and sensitive while chewing. These symptoms typically persist for several days after treatment and can last for several weeks in certain cases. This is normal and part of the healing process. If any symptoms not stated above are experienced including swelling and/or discomfort not relieved by the medications recommended by the doctor, please contact our office immediately. Please expect the injection site as well as the soft tissue surrounding the tooth to also be tender.

We recommend 3 regular strength Ibuprofen tablets (600mg total) every 4-6 hours for the next several days to reduce inflammation. If additional relief is necessary we also recommend that you take 2 regular strength Tylenol tabs (650mg total) either staggered or at the same time as the ibuprofen dose. If you are unable to take either Ibuprofen or Tylenol, please alert the doctor and staff at the time of treatment. If you require the use of pain medication, please take it with a full stomach to reduce nausea.

You may alternate the application of heat (for jaw muscle tenderness) and ice (for inflammation) to the treated area and rinse with warm salt water 3-4 times a day (1tsp of salt to 8oz of warm water).

The access to the root canal space has been closed with a filling and it should last 4+ weeks. Please note that this is a temporary restoration and you will need to contact your general dentist for the appropriate final restoration, which may include a permanent filling and/or a crown. We recommend that you contact your general dentist as soon as possible to schedule your restorative appointment. Restorative appointments should be scheduled 1-4 weeks after endodontic therapy is complete, provided there is no lingering pain and/or symptoms/swelling in the area.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office at (262) 327-6100.

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Endodontic Post-Surgical Instructions (Apicoectomy)

Gently remove the single gauze packing from the surgical area 30 minutes after you leave the office.

Do not raise the lip to look at that area, by doing so it is possible to tear the sutures and accidentally delay healing.

Some swelling, discomfort, and discoloration is normal and will gradually disappear.

To minimize swelling, apply ice to the face over the surgical site. The ice pack should be used 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off. This should be continued during the first day only.

Rest and avoid any strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Avoid heavy lifting and athletic activity for several days.

Eat only very soft foods for the first 48 hours. Do not bite hard foods in the surgical area until after the sutures have been removed.

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Starting tomorrow, rinse with warm salt water (1tsp of salt to 8oz of warm water) or your prescription mouth rinse, if given, three times per day for at least one week.

You can brush your teeth but make sure to be extremely careful in the surgical area. Do not brush over the sutures. Mouthwash can be used.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is recommended for pain. If you cannot take any anti-inflammatory medications take Extra-Strength Tylenol. If stronger pain relief is needed, take the prescription pain relief, if given, or contact our office.

If there is an elevated temperature, excessive bleeding, swelling, and/or uncontrolled discomfort, please contact our office.

Return to our office for suture removal as directed.

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