(406) 494-8900 office@montanarootcanal.com
Montana Root Canal Specialists — Endodontics and Microsurgery
Menu

Patient information

Post-Treatment Instructions

Keep these instructions handy after root canal treatment or endodontic microsurgery.

Root canal post-treatment instructions

  1. Don’t eat for an hour. It is normal to feel tenderness in the treated area for the next few days. If you experience swelling, fever, chills or discomfort such as a continuing dull ache lasting longer than one week, please call us.
  2. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your restorative dentist has placed a permanent restoration. You can brush and floss as usual.

  3. Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) generally works best to manage post-treatment discomfort. We recommend:

    • 600–800 mg ibuprofen every 6 hours for 2 days.
    • 1,000 mg acetaminophen (Tylenol®) every 6 hours for 2 days.

    These medications can be taken together and work well when alternated.

    Do not use any medication your physician or pharmacist has advised you not to take. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and discontinue alcohol consumption while taking these medications. Immediately stop using any drug that causes stomach upset or allergic reactions, including hives, rash, facial swelling, asthma, or wheezing. Seek immediate medical attention if complications arise. Take all routine medications according to instructions.

  4. Any condition can change. Some diseases worsen despite proper treatment. Some problems begin with unusual or vague symptoms and may require time for symptoms and findings to develop before the correct diagnosis can be made. Please call us if your condition worsens in any way.
  5. In the months following completion of your root canal, we will contact you to schedule a quick follow-up exam to make sure the tooth has healed. There is no charge for this exam.

Microsurgical (apico) post-treatment instructions

  1. Your local anesthesia will wear off in 2–4 hours. It is normal to feel tenderness in the treated area for the next couple of days. If you experience swelling, fever, chills or discomfort such as a continuing dull ache lasting longer than one week, please call us.
  2. Take medications as prescribed. Do not use any medication your physician or pharmacist has advised you not to take. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, discontinue alcohol use with medications, and take routine medications as directed. Immediately stop any drug that causes stomach upset or an allergic reaction, and seek medical attention if complications arise.
  3. Rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day.
  4. Apply ice to the surgical site for 15 minutes on, then 15 minutes off, for 6 hours after surgery. Applications after this period provide only a slight benefit.
  5. Eat meals at regular intervals, but avoid food that may traumatize the incision site. Avoid spicy and hot-temperature foods. Good choices include eggs, soup, pancakes, milkshakes or yogurt. Sleep with two pillows to slightly elevate your head during the first night.
  6. We will send a report that includes x-rays to your general dentist.
  7. If a specimen was sent to a pathologist, you will receive a statement from Oral Pathology Consultants.