Home Care Instructions

After Endodontic Treatment/Retreatment

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.

A letter with x-rays will be sent back to your general dentist. You must return to their office post-treatment to have a permanent restoration placed. It is crucial that you do not delay this procedure. Your general dentist should contact you within 2-3 business days but you may also call them to get the procedure scheduled, the recommendation is within 2-3 weeks.

NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately.

If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.

If you have any questions, please call our office at Springborough Endodontics Phone Number 403-262-3636 or 403-455-5453

After Endodontic Surgery/Apicoectomy

Instructions following endodontic surgery:

1.) Avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day, including unnecessary lifting.

2.) Apply an ice pack to the face over the surgical site alternating every ten minutes. Continue the applications for six hours on the day of the surgery. This will minimize swelling and discoloration. Do not use ice after the first day.

3.) During the first day stay with a liquid diet after surgery(first 24 hours). After 24 hours you can start with soft foods. Avoid foods that are hard or crunchy as these may disturb the surgical site.

4.) Use the mouth rinse given 5 times per day. First thing in the morning, last thing before bed and after every meal(one cap full). If a gel has been given to you, please apply once after breakfast and once before bedtime.

5.) There should not be much bleeding from the surgical site. Continue with the ice compresses. If bleeding persists, please call the office.

6.) You should avoid brushing your teeth in the treated area. Do NOT use dental floss or water irrigation device on the area.

7.) You should be returning to the office for a suture removal appointment. Typically this is 7-10 after treatment or as directed by the Endodontist.

What to expect post surgery treatment: 

1.) Although severe pain seldom occurs, some discomfort will usually be present. Use the anti-inflammatory medication as directed. Please inform us if you are experiencing significant discomfort or have a fever.

2.) There will be some swelling and discoloration for three to five days. This is a normal part of the healing process.

3.) There is often temporary loss of feeling in the surgical site.

4.) The treated tooth may feel loose for a brief time.

Foods to consume after surgery:

First 24 hours

  • Clear fluids(this includes Gatorade, sports drinks, apple juice, water)
  • Light soups(chicken noodle, Thai or Asian souple with minimal noodles/vegetable, broth is best)

24 hours post surgery

  • Soft foods(scrambled eggs, soft bread, oatmeal)
  • Soups, smoothies, stews, pasta, stir fries, chili
  • We want to avoid chewing on the surgical site