Healing well starts at home.
After your root canal treatment
- Numbness can last 2-4 hours - avoid chewing until it wears off so you don't bite your cheek or tongue.
- Some tenderness is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter ibuprofen (if approved by your physician) usually controls discomfort.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods on the treated tooth until your permanent restoration (typically a crown) is placed.
- Brush and floss normally - keeping the area clean helps healing.
- Schedule your follow-up restoration promptly to protect the tooth long-term.
After an apicoectomy
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek over the area for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- Take prescribed or recommended medications as directed.
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing in the surgical area for several days.
- Do not lift your lip to look at the stitches - this can disturb healing.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water starting the day after surgery.
When to call us right away
Severe pain that isn't controlled by medication, significant swelling that spreads to your face or neck, fever, or a lost temporary filling or crown.
Call (508) 251-6122