• Pain, when biting, is a normal inflammatory reaction after a root canal treatment.
  • Discomfort and swelling of the affected side may occur for 24 to 48 hours. Tenderness, when chewing, may persist for up to a week.
  • While you are still numb, be careful not to bite your lip or burn your mouth on hot beverages/foods.
  • Ibuprofen (ie. Advil, Motrin) 400-600mg every 6 hours will usually provide sufficient pain relief. Be sure to take this with food. Additional medications will be prescribed, if needed.
  • If a localized abscess is present, rinse with warm salt water to promote drainage (dissolve 1 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water).
  • Antibiotics may be prescribed for infection. All of this medication should be taken as directed, unless an allergic reaction develops. If there are signs of an allergic reaction (ie. rash, itching, unusual swelling), stop taking the medication immediately, and call Dr. Osmond. If the reaction is severe (ie. difficulty breathing), go to the nearest Emergency Room.
  • No alcoholic beverages should be consumed while taking these medications.
  • During root canal treatment, the nerve, blood supply, and decayed tooth structure are removed. This results in the tooth becoming more prone to fracture. Be gentle with the tooth while eating until the final restoration is placed. Stay away from foods that may break the temporary filling or the tooth (ie. popcorn kernels, carrots, chips, all hard foods).
  • To avoid a fracture of the tooth, a crown should be placed as soon as possible after the completion of the root canal. It is okay to wait two to three weeks in order to let the tenderness diminish before proceeding with the crown.
  • Do not rinse or spit actively for 12 hours after surgery.
  • Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical area.
  • Use ice packs on the side of your face for the first 12-24 hours after surgery. Apply ice 10 minutes on; 10 minutes off. Bags of frozen peas or corn work well also.
  • The area may bleed slightly, which can be controlled with pressure from a moist piece of gauze. If bleeding persists, a moist tea bag should be placed in the area of bleeding, biting firmly for one hour straight.
  • Drink plenty of fluids; however, do not use a straw.
  • After the first post-operative day, use a warm saltwater rinse following meals.
  • Take prescriptions prescribed by Dr. Osmond the day of surgery.
  • Diet may consist of soft foods which can be easily chewed and swallowed.
  • A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery and oozing is common for as much as 24 hours. If bleeding persists, call our office at 801-224-3200
  • We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery to avoid a dry socket.

    The following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:

  • The surgical area will have varying degrees of swelling.
  • Swelling peaks on the 2nd or 3rd post-operative day
  • Your other teeth may ache temporarily. This is referred pain and is a temporary condition.
  • If the corners of the mouth are stretched out they may dry and crack, your lips should be kept moist with cream or ointment.
  • There will be an area where the gums were stitched closed. Do not pull your lip up to look repeatedly, since this may result in the early removal of stitches and complications.
  • It is not unusual to develop bruising in the area of an extraction, but is of no significant consequences.
  • Prolonged numbness (6-8 hours) is common due to the use of long-acting local anesthesia.
  • You should have your companion take you DIRECTLY home to rest after the procedure.
  • Please CALL our office when you are safe at home.
  • Do remember to HYDRATE, so that you feel good the next day
  • Be sure to take Ibuprofen or Tylenol after the procedure. This will help with any pain from inflammation that may begin.

    • Please remember:

  • No driving for 24 hours.
  • No operating hazardous machinery for 24 hours.
  • No heavy lifting for 24 hours.
  • No climbing stairs unassisted for 24 hours.
  • No important decision making for 24 hours.