After Care Instructions


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Non-Surgical Root Canal Therapy Pre-Treatment Care

Prior to your initial visit, please inform our office of any current medical conditions or treatments. Please continue all current medications unless otherwise directed by your physician or attending endodontist.

If you have been diagnosed with:

  • Hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis
  • Any other condition

Your physician or dentist may advise you to use antibiotic pre-medication. Please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic the day of your appointment.

All minors (less than 18 years of age) must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them to their initial appointment.

Post Treatment Care

If your endodontic treatment was performed using local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide anesthesia, you will be able to drive yourself to work or to home after your treatment. You should be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

If you received oral sedation or intravenous sedation, you will require a driver to take you to and from your appointment. You may resume normal activities within 24 hours.

Following Non-Surgical Root Canal Therapy

Your treated tooth will be tender to biting pressure for a few days following treatment, so avoid chewing on the treated side until you are comfortable. Also, avoid hard or crunchy foods. If necessary, eat soft foods like soups or blender drinks to ensure that you maintain the nutrition needed to promote rapid healing.

If you experience tenderness, achiness, or sensitivity to biting, you may take over the counter anti-inflammatory medication (Advil, Aleve, Motrin, etc.) or aspirin to relieve the symptoms. If you are sensitive to these medications, or have been advised by your physician against taking them, please ask us for alternatives. Also, please note that Tylenol is not an anti-inflammatory medication.

If your gums are sore around the treated area, a warm saltwater rinse will help soothe the area.

It is uncommon for endodontic patients to experience complications after treatment; however, should swelling develop, or if you can’t control it with the medications listed above, please contact the office immediately at 817-488-3636. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy phone number available when the doctor returns your call.

It is likely that you will need to contact and see your restorative dentist shortly (within four weeks) following treatment to have the treated tooth restored with a filling or crown. This final restoration is essential in protecting the tooth and root canal from future problems.

Sometimes we may ask you to come in for a follow-up exam 3 to 12 months after your treatment to evaluate the progress of healing. This appointment will require only a few minutes.

If you have any questions about the way your tooth feels after treatment, please contact us at 817-488-3636.

Non-Surgical Root Canal Therapy Post-Operative Care