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CARE DURING AND AFTER ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

 

During root canal treatment the tooth may have been left "open to drain". If so:

 

Avoid eating with the tooth being treated.

 

Rinse your mouth with hot salt water. Do this a minimum of three to five times a day (morning, night and after meals). If the tooth is sore rinse every half hour.

 

If pain medication has been prescribed take it as directed. If no pain medication has been prescribed you may take whatever you ordinarily take for a headache. In no circumstances should you take more medication than indicated in the directions accompanying the medication.

 

If antibiotics have been prescribed begin taking them two days prior to your next appointment for root canal treatment unless the tooth is sore. If the tooth is sore begin taking the antibiotics at that time. In either case, once you begin taking the antibiotics they are to be taken as directed until all of the pills are gone.

 

Instructions for hot salt rinses: Stir a teaspoon of salt into a glass of tap water that is as hot as you can stand without burning yourself (it does not have to be an exact measurement). Rinse very vigorously with some of the hot salt water until it cools off, spit it out and repeat until you have rinsed for a full five minutes.



If a temporary filling has been placed:

 

Avoid eating with the tooth being treated.

 

If pain medication has been prescribed take it as directed. If o pain medication has been prescribed you may take whatever you ordinarily take for a headache. In no circumstances should you take more medication than indicated in the directions accompanying the medication.

 

If antibiotics have been prescribed they are to be taken as directed until all of the pills are gone.

 

(If a permanent restoration, such as a filling or crown, has been placed follow the directions provided for care following that procedure.)