Post-Op Root Canal Procedure

Brush, floss and keep the remainder of the mouth clean. Do not remove the temporary filling or treatment medication within the tooth. Rinsing with warm salt-water (1 T. of salt mixed with a glass of warm water) will keep the area clean.

Post operative pain may be experienced, depending on the extent of the infection and other variables. Some swelling may also occur. This is normal. If pain is extensive, please call the office for further instructions.

The medications prescribed are for prevention of infection and to bring about comfort. It is very important that the antibiotics prescribed are taken until completion or the infection will persist.

If it was necessary to complete the treatment in two appointments, it is imperative that you schedule the second appointment, since this is when the individual canals of the tooth are permanently filled. If you put off this appointment there is a strong possibility that an infection could occur again and that a second treatment may be needed. If you can not make this appointment, please call our office and reschedule as soon as possible.

Following the completion of the root canal, a permanent restoration is needed for the tooth. Because all the blood vessels are removed from the tooth, it will become brittle and more susceptible to fracture. The restoration recommended will be dependent on the location of the tooth. This permanent restoration is used to avoid future tooth fractures.

As always, if you have any questions concerning this procedure, please feel free to contact our office anytime.