For Patients

After your
procedure.

Most patients recover quickly. Follow these instructions to stay comfortable and protect your results.

Root Canal Treatment

After root canal treatment.

1
Do not eat until numbness wears off — you may bite your cheek or tongue without realizing it.
2
Mild to moderate soreness for 1–3 days is normal. Take ibuprofen (400–600 mg) every 6–8 hours with food, or acetaminophen if ibuprofen is contraindicated.
3
Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until a permanent crown is placed by your general dentist.
4
The temporary filling may feel slightly high — this usually self-corrects within a day. If it persists, call us.
5
Take any prescribed antibiotics for the full course, even if you feel better before they're finished.
6
Schedule your crown with your general dentist within 4–6 weeks. Delay increases fracture risk.

Endodontic Surgery

1
Apply ice to the outside of your face for 10 minutes on / 10 minutes off for the first 24 hours. This minimizes swelling.
2
Do not rinse, spit forcefully, or use a straw for 24 hours.
3
Eat soft foods for 3–5 days. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or very hot near the surgical site.
4
Take ibuprofen and/or prescribed pain medication as directed. Discomfort peaks at 24–48 hours and improves steadily.
5
Mild bruising and swelling are expected and may peak at 48–72 hours. This is normal.
6
Sutures are typically removed at your follow-up appointment, usually within 5–7 days.

Complications

Pain that is getting worse — not better — after the first 72 hours may indicate a complication.

Swelling that extends beyond the treated area, especially toward the throat or eye, requires immediate attention.

Persistent fever following endodontic treatment or surgery should be evaluated promptly.

If your temporary filling comes out completely, call us so we can replace it before bacteria re-enter the canal.

We return all calls the same business day.

Call us — we'd rather hear from you early than late.