Postoperative Instructions (after root canal therapy)

1. Your tooth will be sore to biting and often times touch for the next 5 to 7 days. The tooth may feel as if it is "high" when you bite your teeth together. In rare instances the soreness to biting may take more time to go away.
2. Your tooth may ache slightly over the next several days. The majority of our patients find that over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen work well. If Dr. Henry prescribed a prescription pain medication for you please take only as directed.
3. The gums around your tooth may be sore after the procedure. This soreness will go away in a few days.
4. You may eat as you normally would as soon as the numbness is worn off. However, you should chew lightly on the tooth with the root canal, and avoid chewing hard or sticky foods until you have seen your general dentist for the final crown or filling of this tooth.
5. You must see your general dentist within the next 8 weeks for him or her to place a permanent filling or crown on this tooth. This will protect the root canal from contamination. Dr. Henry will sometimes recommend a longer period prior to restoration of your tooth. Be sure to contact our office if you have questions concerning this.
6. Feel free to call our office anytime with any question. Please notify us if any of the following occur:
   • Swelling
   • Pain unrelieved by the pain medication prescribed
   • Rashes or other allergic reactions to medications
   • Difficulty tolerating medications

Call our office at (815) 223-9931 if you have questions.

Mark Henry, D.D.S., M.S. 2050 Marquette Rd. Suite 300 Peru, Illinois 61354 (815) 223-9931

Copyright © 2008 Dr. Mark Henry.
All rights reserved.