Avoid eating and drinking until the numbness due to the anesthetic has subsided.  If supervising children who have had root canal therapy performed, take care that they do not bite their lips, inner cheeks, or tongues.  Serious injury to their tissues may result.

• Discomfort, sensitivity and pain following root canal therapy are normal and are largely correlated to symptoms prior to treatment.  In general, discomfort following treatment is usually mild to moderate and is usually related to pressure placed on the tooth.  As well, the gum tissues may be sensitive for a few days following treatment.  Nevertheless, discomfort usually subsides in a few days, although complete healing takes much longer.  Should any swelling arise, please call our office.
• Use prescribed medications as directed barring any complications as a result of taking them.  If antibiotics have been prescribed, they should be taken to completion even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone.
• Brushing and flossing should continue as normal.
• A temporary filling is placed in the tooth during and following completion of the root canal therapy.  This temporary filling must be replaced by a permanent restoration as advised.  Any unnecessary delay in the placement of the permanent restoration may lead to re-infection of the root canal system and failure of the treatment.

Should any questions, uncertainties, or problems arise, please contact our office.