Home Care Instructions

  • Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be tender or sore for several days as a result of treatment and the previous condition of your tooth.
  • This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm.
  • On average, the second to third day is often when your tooth and gum tissue may be the most tender.
  • Please 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 after treatment unless otherwise recommended by our endodontists.
  • Discomfort may also be alleviated by placing an ice pack on your cheek or jaw adjacent to the area that was treated for 15-20 minutes every hour for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.   Please call our office if swelling or fever occurs/persists.
  • Rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon salt with 6-8 ounces of warm water) several times per day for approximately one to two weeks. This may be helpful in reducing any gum tenderness.   

PAIN MEDICATION INSTRUCTIONS

  • If you have no allergies or side effects, take 3 tabs/caps of 200mg ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) every 6 hours for 3 days or as needed.  Or, if you prefer, take 1 to 2 tabs/caps of 220mg naproxen (Aleve) every 12 hours for 3 days or as needed.
  • You may help increase your relief of pain by also taking 2 acetaminophen (325mg Tylenol) every 6 hours, starting at the 3-hour point after taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve).
  • If unable to take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), take 2 acetaminophen (325mg Tylenol) every 6 hours for 3 days.
  • If pain medication has been prescribed, take as directed.  If pain persists, please contact our office.

ANTIBIOTIC INSTRUCTIONS

  • Take entire prescription until completion, unless otherwise instructed by your endodontist.
  • To decrease the likelihood of diarrhea or stomach irritation, consider taking a daily probiotic or eat one small container of active culture yogurt prior to taking the antibiotic.  Alternatively, you may also take one acidophilus capsule (Florajen) or probiotic per day.
  • If diarrhea does develop despite following the instructions listed under #2 above, discontinue the antibiotic and please call our office.
  • If you are taking birth control pills and are placed on antibiotics, please be aware the antibiotic can negate the effect of the oral contraceptive for the length of the cycle.

PLEASE 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 our office immediately. 
  • If you are having a severe allergic reaction to any of the medication(s) prescribed and you are unable to reach your doctor, please contact the nearest urgent care or hospital.  

If you need to reach one of our endodontists after office hours, please have your pharmacy number available.

If you have any questions, please call our office at Madison Office Phone Number 608-310-ENDO (3636).