Before Endodontic Treatment

Post-Treatment Instructions

Immediately After Treatment

• Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes following your appointment if a temporary filling was placed.
• Your cheek, lip, or tongue will still be numb from local anesthesia, be very careful when eating or drinking. Avoid chewing until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek, tongue, or lip.

Permanent Restoration

• If a temporary filling was placed, it is essential to return to your general dentist within 1 month to have a permanent filling or crown placed.
• Failure to do so may lead to fracture of the tooth or new decay beneath the temporary filling, which may result in the failure of your root canal. Please note: You will be responsible for any additional treatment costs incurred as a result of not following this instruction.

Chewing Precautions

• Do not bite down on hard foods (e.g., peanuts, pretzels, ice, etc.) until a permanent filling or crown has been placed.
• The tooth remains structurally vulnerable until it is permanently restored and is at risk of cracking under pressure.

Pain Management

Mild discomfort is normal for several days following treatment.

To manage pain, we recommend:

Ibuprofen: 600 mg (three 200 mg tablets of Advil, Motrin, or generic) every 6 hours for the next 2 days. If you cannot take Ibuprofen, take Acetaminophen 1000 mg (two extra-strength Tylenol or generic) every 6–8 hours for the next 2 days

If you were prescribed medication by your doctor, take it exactly as directed.