Care Instructions
Complete guidelines for before and after your endodontic treatment. Following these instructions ensures optimal healing and the best possible outcome.
A doctor is accessible and available for consultation at all times should a problem arise after your treatment.
Call: (425) 697-9777Before Endodontic Treatment
This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work.
Eat Before Your Appointment
Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable. Having food in your system helps prevent nausea and provides energy for healing.
Continue Your Medications
Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.
Antibiotic Premedication (Updated 2024 Guidelines)
Current AHA guidelines (2021) significantly limit antibiotic prophylaxis requirements. It is ONLY needed for: prosthetic heart valves, previous infective endocarditis, unrepaired cyanotic congenital heart defects, or cardiac transplant with valve regurgitation. It is NOT required for heart murmurs, mitral valve prolapse, pacemakers, stents, or joint replacements. Please confirm with your physician if you fall into the high-risk category.
Pre-Treatment Anti-Inflammatory
If you can take ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), it helps reduce inflammation when taken 2-4 hours before endodontic TREATMENT. However, if you are coming for a DIAGNOSTIC appointment, please DO NOT take pain medications as they can mask symptoms and prevent us from identifying which tooth is causing the problem.
After Endodontic Treatment
Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration.
After Anesthesia Wears Off
Numbness usually fades in a few hours. You may feel tenderness or mild soreness for a few days (sometimes weeks). This is normal and part of the healing process.
Continue Oral Hygiene
You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Good oral hygiene helps prevent further decay and promotes healing.
Pain Management
Start pain relief before the numbness wears off. Take Advil (Ibuprofen) 600 mg (3 tablets of 200 mg) every 6 hours as needed. If needed, add Tylenol (Acetaminophen) 1000 mg (2 tablets of 500 mg) together with Advil. Follow dosing instructions carefully and don't exceed daily limits. IMPORTANT: These recommendations must be reviewed by your doctor. If you cannot take Ibuprofen or have allergies/contraindications with these medications, we will revise your pain management plan.
Permanent Restoration is Urgent
Your tooth needs a permanent crown or filling by your general dentist. BEST PRACTICE: Pre-schedule this appointment with your dentist before your root canal, so you have something booked for the week of or following week after treatment. If not pre-scheduled, call today or tomorrow — dental offices book up quickly! The permanent restoration should be done within 1 month to prevent cracks or infection. Keep all your dental appointments to protect the tooth long term.
Caring for Your Tooth (Temporary Filling)
Avoid hard foods (nuts, hard bread, ice) and sticky/chewy foods (gum, taffy, caramels). Chew on the opposite side until the tooth is fully restored. A little wear on the temporary filling is normal. Call us if the entire filling falls out.
Antibiotics (If Prescribed)
Antibiotics are given only when necessary, like for swelling or infection. Take exactly as prescribed and complete the full course. Not all root canal treatments require antibiotics. IMPORTANT NOTE: Taking antibiotics before or after treatment will not prevent a flare-up from occurring.
Follow-Up for Teeth with Infection (Periapical Disease)
If your tooth had an infection (visible as a dark shadow on X-ray), we need to monitor the healing process over time. One-year follow-up X-rays are essential to confirm successful treatment. Signs of healing include: no pain or swelling, normal function when chewing, and bone regeneration (the dark shadow gradually disappears). Most infected teeth heal completely, but if healing is incomplete, additional treatment options will be discussed.
When to Contact Us
Call us immediately if you notice: severe or increasing pain, a bite that feels "high" or uneven, or swelling. We are always accessible and available for consultation.
Are There Any Potential Problems After Treatment?
While complications are rare, it's important to be aware of potential issues that may occur. If any of these situations arise, please contact our office immediately.
Instrument Separation (Up to 10% chance)
Research shows that tiny instruments may separate during treatment and remain in the tooth in up to 10% of cases. This does not necessarily affect the success of treatment.
Endodontic Flare-up (10% chance)
About 10% of patients may experience swelling 2-3 days after treatment, usually occurring with previously asymptomatic infected teeth. If this happens, please call our office immediately and we will prescribe antibiotics. Note: Taking antibiotics before treatment will not prevent a flare-up.
Sinus Communication (Upper Teeth)
Upper teeth are situated near your sinuses, and treatment can result in communication between your mouth and adjacent sinus. This usually heals spontaneously. Avoid blowing your nose for 2-3 days after surgery.
Long-Term Monitoring for Teeth with Bone Loss
If your tooth had an abscess or bone loss at the tip of the roots, we will need to monitor it annually to ensure proper healing. Treatment can be considered successful if the following occurs (sometimes 2 of the 3 criteria for patients): (a) tooth remains functional, (b) no symptoms, and (c) bone healing (which can take up to 4 years). Even if some bone loss remains but appears stable and not worsening, or shows signs of healing, patients may choose to continue monitoring to extend the life of the tooth. IMPORTANT: Even if your root canal is completely asymptomatic (no pain), annual follow-up is still essential because bone loss can worsen or stay the same without any symptoms. Without proper follow-up, neither you nor we will know if the bone is healing properly.
When to Contact Us Immediately
Contact us if you experience:
- Discomfort that cannot be controlled with over-the-counter medications
- Swelling that develops after treatment
- Signs of infection or unusual symptoms
- Any concerns about your healing process
Always Accessible & Available
A doctor is accessible and available for consultation at all times should a problem arise after your treatment. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.
We are committed to your comfort and successful treatment outcome.
Follow-Up Care
Follow-Up Examination
Follow-up examinations are recommended to evaluate the progress of healing. If your tooth had bone loss or showed signs of abscess or infection, we recommend annual monitoring to ensure proper healing and long-term success.
A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist to ensure coordinated care and optimal outcomes.
Annual Monitoring for Teeth with Bone Loss
If your tooth had an abscess or bone loss, we will monitor it annually to ensure proper healing. Treatment success requires: (a) tooth remains functional, (b) no symptoms, and (c) bone healing (which can take up to 4 years). If bone loss persists, additional treatment may be needed.
Serving the Greater Seattle Area
Comprehensive care instructions and 24/7 support for endodontic patients throughout the Eastside communities.
Areas We Serve
Don't see your city listed? We welcome patients from throughout the greater Seattle area. Call us to discuss your endodontic care instructions needs.