Post-Operative Instructions: Non-Surgical Endodontic Therapy

Thank you for visiting our office. We hope we have met or exceeded your expectations. 

Please avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until your restorative dentist has placed your permanent restoration, as you will break the tooth if you do so.

Your anesthesia will wear off in approximately 2–6 hours after the procedure. You may experience no discomfort following root canal treatment. However, occasionally, patients experience soreness for 1 day to 2 weeks following endodontic treatment. This may be due to the previous condition of your tooth. Ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®), acetaminophen (Tylenol^®), or aspirin (Bayer^®) can be used to help manage post-operative soreness. The recommended dosing to control post-operative discomfort is to take, together, 800 mg of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and 1000mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours for up to 1 week. Do not use any medication that your physician, pharmacist, etc., has advised you not to take. Please follow manufacturer’s instructions or instructions as labeled by the pharmacist. Do not use alcohol while taking these medications. 

FEMALES: Antibiotics, if prescribed, may interfere with the efficiency of birth control pills, as such; additional means of pregnancy is indicated. 

You may resume your normal oral hygiene the day of the procedure.

Take all other medications, including your routine medications, according to instructions. Immediately stop using any drug that causes stomach or allergic reactions (including hives, rash, facial swelling, asthma, or wheezing). Seek immediate medical attention if any complications arise.

If you experience any swelling or discomfort, please call our office at (806) 410-ENDO. Please have your pharmacy number handy in case Dr. Scherer needs to call in a prescription.

We will send a record of your treatment, including radiographs (X-rays), to your general dentist. You must visit your general dentist for crowning of the tooth within 2–8 weeks from the date of completion of your root canal, as our office completes only the root canal portion of your dental care.