Post Op Instructions

Proper care after your endodontic procedure promotes faster healing and reduces complications. Follow these guidelines for optimal recovery. If you have any concerns, contact Syrpes & Pangborn Endodontic Group immediately.

Post-Op Instructions for Root Canal Therapy

Numbness & Eating:
The treated area may remain numb for several hours due to anesthesia. Avoid eating until the numbness wears off to prevent accidental injury to your lips, tongue, or cheeks. Stick to soft foods for the first 48 hours after treatment to avoid irritation. You can gradually resume a normal diet, but continue to avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods until your permanent crown is placed. To prevent unnecessary pressure on the treated tooth, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth until fully restored.

Discomfort Management:
Some discomfort or tenderness around the treated tooth is normal for several days, especially when chewing. Most pain can be managed with 600 mg ibuprofen (Advil) combined with 500 mg acetaminophen (Tylenol). If prescribed antibiotics, continue taking them for the full course, even if symptoms subside.

Temporary Filling Care:
Your tooth has been sealed with a temporary filling until your general dentist provides a permanent restoration. Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods, as they can dislodge the filling. Schedule an appointment with your general dentist as soon as possible to complete your treatment with a permanent filling or crown.

Oral Hygiene:
Maintain good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing as usual, but be gentle around the treated tooth. Keeping the area clean promotes healing and reduces the risk of reinfection.

When to Call Us:
While complications are rare, contact us immediately if you experience severe pain, significant swelling, or signs of an allergic reaction (rash, fever, or difficulty breathing).

Post-Op Instructions for Apicoectomy

Protecting the Surgical Site:
To support healing, avoid stretching, pulling, or disturbing the sutures near the surgical site. Refrain from touching the area with your tongue or fingers, as this can disrupt the healing process. Do not rinse or use mouthwash for the first 24 hours. After this period, rinse gently with the prescribed mouthwash one to two times daily. Avoid commercial mouthwash, as it may cause irritation and delay healing.

Discomfort & Pain Management:
It is normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort for several days. Take 600 mg ibuprofen (Advil) with 500 mg acetaminophen (Tylenol) as recommended. If stronger pain medication was prescribed, use it as directed. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.

Swelling & Ice Therapy:
Swelling may occur and typically peaks at 48 hours post-surgery. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the area for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off, during the first two hours after surgery.

Oral Hygiene & Rinsing:
We recommend carefully brushing the areas of your mouth not involved in the surgical procedure, but avoid the surgical site to prevent irritation. Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. After this period, rinse gently once or twice daily with the prescribed mouthwash or a warm saltwater solution (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water) when prescribed by our doctor. Avoid commercial mouthwash, as it may cause irritation and delay healing.

Eating & Drinking:
Stay hydrated and eat soft foods for the first 48 hours. Avoid carbonated or alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours, as well as hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that may irritate the area.

Sutures & Healing:
If sutures were placed, they may fall out on their own within 3-4 days, but do not miss your postoperative appointment for suture removal and healing assessment.

Activity Restrictions:
Avoid strenuous activities, smoking, and drinking through a straw until healing is well established.

When to Call Us:
Though complications are rare, contact us immediately if you experience severe swelling, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, increasing pain, or pus discharge).

For any concerns during recovery, please call Syrpes & Pangborn Endodontic Group. We are here to support your healing process and ensure your treatment is successful.