For Patients

After your
procedure

Recovery is an important part of your treatment. We'll provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you heal properly.

Root Canal Treatment

After Root Canal Treatment

Download Root Canal Instructions (PDF)
  1. 1

    Expect Discomfort

    This is normal and should be expected, particularly when chewing on or touching the tooth. Different teeth and patients respond differently, however discomfort typically lasts for less than a week. It can last longer in some instances. Typically the more pain experienced prior to the treatment, the more discomfort can be expected following the procedure. Take medications as directed and contact the office if you have any concerns.

  2. 2

    Be Careful

    Avoid chewing with the treated tooth until the final restoration is completed by your Restorative Dentist. The tooth is vulnerable to fracture if a crown is not already present, or if there are existing cracks. A fracture could make the tooth unrestorable and require extraction.

  3. 3

    Have the Tooth Restored

    If the root canal treatment has been completed, please schedule an appointment for the final restoration with your Restorative Dentist. If root canal treatment has not yet been completed, another appointment with our office will be necessary. The final restoration is ideally placed once the post-operative discomfort has resolved, unless otherwise advised. 1–3 weeks is the typical timeframe for restoration after the root canal treatment is complete. Restoration of the tooth is essential for the success of the root canal and survival of the tooth.

  4. 4

    For Pain

    Please take the following if instructed for pain:

    • Ibuprofen (Advil / Motrin)

      200–600 mg every 4–6 hours if needed for pain. Over-the-counter Ibuprofen pills are 200 mg each.

      Do not exceed 3200 mg in a 24 hour period

      You may alternatively take Aleve (1 tablet / 220 mg) every 4–6 hours.

      Do not exceed 1375 mg in a 24 hour period

    • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

      325–650 mg every 4–6 hours if needed for pain. (Regular strength over-the-counter Acetaminophen pills are 325 mg each. “Extra strength” pills are 500 mg each.)

      Do not exceed 3000 mg in a 24 hour period (including cold medications)

    • Narcotic analgesic (Ex: Norco, Tylenol #3)

      Use as directed on prescription (a prescription is needed for a narcotic). Use caution as narcotic medication can impair ability to drive, operate machinery, etc. Also be aware that the narcotic likely also contains acetaminophen and therefore supplementary Tylenol should be reduced / adjusted accordingly.

  5. 5

    For Infection

    If antibiotics have been prescribed, it is very important that they are taken as directed until they are all gone — even if the symptoms have fully subsided. Please note that it often takes 48–72 hours before the antibiotics can begin to control an infection. During this time, it is not uncommon for infection, pain, or swelling to actually increase.

Endodontic Surgery

After Endodontic Surgery (Apicoectomy)

Download Surgery Instructions (PDF)

Sutures are typically removed in 4–7 days. This initial healing time is the most fragile period and requires your careful precaution. Please read and follow the below directions for care during this period. After the sutures are removed, the soft tissue will continue to heal for 6–8 weeks, and the bone will typically heal over the next 6–12 months.

  1. 1

    Ice the Area

    Do this diligently for the first 8 hours following surgery. Have at least 2 icepacks or packs of frozen peas / corn that you can rotate through the freezer. It is ok to take a break from icing but try to minimize breaks to less than 10 minutes, and only after at least 20 minutes of icing. Only ice on the day of the surgery.

  2. 2

    Bleeding

    Some slight bleeding following surgery for up to 24 hours may be normal. Keeping the area iced and your head elevated may reduce any bleeding. If the area bleeds for an extended time, or there is a lot of bleeding, please call the office. If it is after hours, you can call the office phone number and be transferred to the on-call doctor. The office phone number is (949) 581-8890.

  3. 3

    Minimize Activity

    Minimize aerobic activity for 48 hours following the surgery or as otherwise advised by your doctor.

  4. 4

    Let the Area Heal

    Do not feel the area or sutures with your tongue as this can dislodge sutures and may disturb healing. A suture will occasionally come loose and this is typically not a problem so long as the tissue remains in place and does not also come loose.

    • Do not eat near the surgical site. A diet of soft foods or liquids (smoothies, protein shakes, etc.) is best during the initial healing. Soft foods like pasta or foods that have been cut into small pieces can be eaten away from the surgical site.
    • Do not suck fluids from straws or from sports bottles.
    • Do not brush or floss the affected area. Instead, gently rinse the area with the prescribed Peridex mouthwash for 1 minute twice a day. You can brush and floss all other areas of your mouth except for the surgical area. You will be given further instructions at the time of suture removal.
    • Do not lift or pull back your lip to look at the surgical area unless absolutely necessary as this can disturb the healing process.
  5. 5

    Expect Some Discomfort and Swelling

    We recommend 600 mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours to start. Even if there is no pain, it is advisable to take the ibuprofen for several days to help minimize swelling. Swelling typically peaks between 2 and 3 days after the surgery. Discoloration or bruising of the facial skin can occasionally occur, and although unpleasant, is typically not a cause for concern.

  6. 6

    For Infection

    If antibiotics have been prescribed, it is very important that they are taken as directed until they are all gone — even if signs and symptoms have fully subsided.

Complications

When to Call Us

Severe Pain or Swelling

Contact us immediately if you experience severe pain, significant swelling, or visible signs of infection at the surgical site area.

Persistent Symptoms

Call if sensitivity, discomfort, or other symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery timeframe or appear to be worsening.

Complications or Concerns

Reach out if you notice any unusual symptoms, signs of infection, or have any concerns about your healing or recovery process.

Follow-Up Questions

Don't hesitate to call with any questions about your recovery, aftercare instructions, or concerns about your healing progress today.

Questions About Your Recovery?

Contact Saddleback Valley Endodontics at (949) 581-8890. Our team is here to support your healing and answer your questions.

Call (949) 581-8890
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