Root Canal After Care Instructions
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Next Steps
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What To Expect
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Pain Management
Tips
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Post-Treatment Instructions
Next steps – where are you in your treatment?
Your root canal is not complete
If your treatment requires more than one visit, it’s essential for you to return to our office as scheduled to complete the root canal.
- Depending on how much anesthesia was used during your treatment, you will want to be cautious eating so as to prevent biting your cheek, lip, or tongue.
- You will want to be selective in the foods you are eating so as not to provide too much force to your tooth until the final filling and/ or crown is placed, which will ultimately provide structural strength to your tooth.
- Even if you were not experiencing any discomfort prior to treatment, it’s completely normal for you to experience some degree of tenderness for a few days.

Your root canal is completed with a temporary filling
The canal or canals have been sealed and your immune system must now have time to repair the damage that the original irritant produced.
- Avoid chewing on the tooth until all tenderness is gone.
- Although the roots are permanently sealed, the outer surface is filled with a temporary filling, which is only meant to last for several weeks. If this is the case, it is imperative to return to your general dentist as soon as possible for your permanent filling and or crown if needed.
- A letter and copy of your final radiographs will be sent to your general dentist. Please contact your general dentist to schedule your permanent restoration (crown or filling) within one month, however, the sooner the better unless instructed otherwise.
Your root canal is completed with a permanent filling
Your root canal is now completed and we have placed a permanent filling in your tooth. If a crown is necessary, which is the case for all molars and some premolars/ anterior teeth, you will need to return to your dentist.
- The canal or canals have been sealed and your immune system must be given time to repair the damage that the original irritant produced.
- Avoid chewing on the tooth until the tenderness subsides.
- A letter and copy of your final x-ray will be sent to your general dentist.
What to expect following treatment
As the anesthetic wears off, you may feel some tenderness and mild soreness in your jaw from keeping your mouth open for an extended period. These temporary symptoms usually respond well to over-the-counter medication.
After your procedure, wait until the numbness in your mouth wears off before eating to avoid biting your cheek, lips, or tongue. Be careful chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored (permanent filling or crown) to avoid damaging it. Remember to brush and floss daily as you normally would to keep the area clean and avoid infection.
Though you may experience a slightly different sensation from your treated tooth than your other teeth for some time, you should contact Dr. King immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe pain or pressure lasting more than a few days
- Visible swelling inside or outside your mouth
- An allergic reaction to any medication (rash, hives, or itching)
- Your bite feels uneven
- The temporary crown or filling, if one was put in place, comes out (losing a thin layer is normal)
- Symptoms you experienced prior to treatment return
Pain Management Tips
Discomfort may be alleviated by one of these over-the-counter medications…
- Ibuprofen/Advil 600mg every 6 hours- this is the gold standard for managing tooth pain
- Tylenol Extra Strength 1000mg every 6 hrs
- Aleve or Aspirin as directed
You can also try warm salt water rinses.
Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above medications or if swelling develops, please contact our office.

Post-Surgery Instructions
Medications
Swelling & Bruising
Ice Packs
Bleeding
Activity
Smoking/Vaping
Eating
Oral Hygiene
Sutures
Save Your Smile, Comfortably
We’re proud to be highly referred to by dentists throughout the greater Atlanta area, but a dentist referral is not necessary to make an appointment. We’ll provide answers to your questions or even a second opinion.
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3490 Piedmont Rd.
Suite 1180
Atlanta, GA 30305
Friday: 8AM - 12PM