“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.”

Life After Root Canal Therapy    

Following Root Canal Therapy, Surgery or Root Canal Retreatment:

*   Your completed root canal may be tender to touch, biting, tapping or chewing for several days after treatment. It is advised that you do not do extensive chewing on that side during this time.   Discomfort will usually subside in a few days, however it may last as long as a few weeks. Improvement will be gradual.

*   If your tooth throbs, keep your head elevated, especially when lying down, and try to refrain from any strenuous activity.  If the tooth is tender, we will usually recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, or aspirin for at least three to five days. If you cannot take any of these

*   Rinsing the mouth with warm water, as hot as you can stand it, for at least two to three times a day for 30 minutes at a time will be helpful in relieving the discomfort.

 *  If you initially feel better, then get significantly worse two or three days after treatment, you may be experiencing what is known as a "flare-up." This is not a common occurrence, but it occasionally happens.  Please contact our office.

*  We routinely like to perform a follow-up exam at least six months after the completion of the root canal. We like to evaluate the treatment outcome, and determine the presence of bone healing. There is no charge for this visit.

 Following Surgical Endodontics:

*  Some swelling and discoloration is normal and will gradually disappear.

*  Beginning tomorrow, rinse the surgical area with warm salt water after each meal. This will help to keep the surgical site free and clean of debris.  Continue to rinse the surgical area until the sutures are removed.

*  Some slight bleeding, swelling, or discomfort during the first couple of days, is normal.

*  For discomfort, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, or extra strength Tylenol is recommended. If a stronger medication is required, Dr. Lane will write you a prescription prior to you leaving the office.

*  There will be at least two follow-up appointments. The first follow-up will be to have your sutures removed. The second appointment will be a few weeks later, so that we may evaluate the soft tissue (gum) healing.

© 2006 Aventura Endodontic Associates, PA