What to Expect after your Root Canal
After a Root Canal, it is best to avoid eating or drinking until the numbness wears off. If you need to eat or drink while still numb, please do so with the teeth that are not numb to avoid biting or burning yourself. The anesthetic usually produces a numb sensation for about 2-4 hours from the time of the most recent injection. People metabolize anesthetic at different rates, just like they do food, so do not be alarmed if your numbness falls slightly outside of this range.
Some discomfort on the treated tooth is common and can last up to 10 days. Swelling and/or bruising in the treated area may also occur. These are not unusual post-operative events. Most post-operative pain and swelling peaks within 72 hours after completion of the procedure and slowly starts to improve with further passing of time and healing. Recent research has shown that the best medication approach to help prevent and treat post-operative discomfort following root canal therapy, is to take 2 tablets of 200mg ibuprofen (commonly known as Advil) and 1 tablet of 500mg acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol) by mouth every 4 hours as needed. It is important to only take these three pills together as needed by mouth every four hours. It is equally important to not take a higher dosage of these pills or to take them more frequently than every four hours. By exceeding these recommendations of dosage, frequency, and/or duration of taking these medications you will risk putting yourself over the maximum 24 daily dosage. Doing this can result in damage to your organs. Only take ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen if you know your medical history does NOT contraindicate you from taking these medications. If you have any doubt about whether or not you are able to take these medications, you should contact your physician to see if you are able to do so. If you are unable to take ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen, take what you would typically take to relieve a headache to treat your root canal post-operative pain or consult with your physician and/or dentist about alternatives. It is best to start taking any pain medications while you are still numb, as pain responds better to proactive treatment than reactive treatment. Please continue with any other medications as prescribed, unless instructed otherwise by your physician or dentist. Be sure to notify the office of any problems that may arise from medications.
Applying ice to the treated area can be a good supplement to any medications you are taking to treat the painful and/or swollen area. If you chose to ice the area, it is best to ice the area while you’re still numb immediately after your appointment. Apply ice packs for 15 minute increments. After the ice has been on the area for 15 minutes, give the treated area a 15 minute break before reapplying ice for another 15 minutes. Repeat this process as needed. Do not apply the ice pack directly to your skin. Use of something like a paper towel to prevent skin irritation works well.
If your gums are sore, you can use a warm salt water rinse up to 4 times a day to help provide your gums relief. Do this by using one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish for as long as needed then spit the mixture out. Avoiding smoking as much as possible for at least the first two weeks following the procedure will provide you with the best opportunity to heal well. Avoiding strenuous exercise for 48 hours after the procedure is also best. Do not forget to gently brush and floss the area while it’s healing.
In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to complete the root canal therapy in two appointments. In these instances, the root canal procedure is initiated with the goal of providing the patient relief. Alleviating pain is only the first step. Please be sure to schedule a second appointment as needed to finalize the root canal procedure.
If a temporary filling or crown was placed in your tooth as part of your initial root canal treatment, it is best to “stay off that tooth” and avoid it while eating, etc. to prevent discomfort, tooth fracture, and give the tooth time to heal. The tooth will be weaker while temporary fillings or crowns are in place. Temporary filling will feel sandy to your tongue. Similar to sand, a temporary filling will wear and erode away slowly over time as it is bathed in saliva and exposed to drinks and other liquids. For these reasons, the temporary filling will need to be replaced with a permanent filling and/or crown to solidify and protect your tooth after your toothache symptoms have subsided. Sometimes another appointment is required after root canal completion to place the permanent filling and/or crown. We will advise you of the treatment best suited for you.
If any questions or concerns should arise, please contact our office at (937) 339-5855 or reply directly to this message.
Dr. Cebulka & Dr. Grabeman
Comprehensive Dentistry of Troy
#yourtroyohiodentist