If you had a full root canal (RCT): we removed inflamed/infected tissue from inside the tooth, shaped and disinfected the canals, and sealed them to help stop infection and pain while preserving your natural tooth and supporting bone. This is precision microsurgery inside a tooth—designed to keep your tooth in your smile.

If you had a pulpal debridement (emergency pain relief): we opened the tooth and removed inflamed tissue to relieve pressure and pain. This is Phase 1 only. To finish the cure, you’ll need to return for completion of the root canal and a definitive restoration (often a crown) so the tooth remains comfortable and functional long-term.

Tenderness is normal. The tooth and surrounding gums may feel sore to biting/pressure and temperature.

“Up-then-down” pain curve. Many patients feel better right away; some experience a flare-up 24–48 hours after treatment. This usually settles with the pain plan below.

Numbness wears off in 2–6 hours. Protect your lip/cheek/tongue while numb.

Minor swelling or jaw stiffness can occur. A cold compress (10–15 minutes on, 10–15 off) for the first day can help.

Temporary filling or provisional: it’s normal to feel a slightly different texture or height. If your bite feels “high” or the temporary comes out, contact us—bite discrepancies can prolong soreness.

Pain control (only use what your provider approved)

• First-line (if you can take NSAIDs):

• Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours as needed (with food). Do not exceed 2,400 mg in 24 hours unless your doctor instructs otherwise.

• You may combine or alternate with Acetaminophen 500 mg every 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 3,000 mg acetaminophen in 24 hours, and remember many cold/pain meds already contain acetaminophen.

• If you cannot take NSAIDs: use Acetaminophen only (dosing as above).

• If an antibiotic was prescribed: take exactly as directed and finish the course. Call us for rash, itching, breathing trouble, severe diarrhea, or if symptoms worsen after starting antibiotics. (Avoid alcohol with metronidazole.)

• If a steroid mouth rinse or anti-inflammatory was prescribed: use on schedule; it reduces post-treatment inflammation.

• Nausea prevention: small, bland meals; take NSAIDs with food.

• Still hurting? Call us. We can adjust your bite, update meds, or see you urgently.

While numb: avoid chewing on the treated side and hot liquids (risk of biting/burns).

For 24 hours: favor a soft, cool-to-warm diet; avoid hard, sticky, or seedy foods that can dislodge a temporary.

Brushing/flossing: brush normally; floss gently around the treated tooth. If a temporary is present and floss snags, pull the floss out to the side, not up.

Mouth rinses: warm salt water (½ tsp salt in a cup of warm water) 2–3×/day is soothing. Use any prescribed rinse as directed.

Activity: normal daily activity is fine. If you notice throbbing with intense exercise in the first 24 hours, scale back and resume as comfortable.

To protect your result

If you had a pulpal debridement: this was Phase 1 relief. Schedule completion of the root canal within 1–2 weeks (earlier if advised). The tooth can flare again if left unfinished.

Definitive restoration matters. After a completed RCT on a back tooth, a full-coverage crown is usually required to prevent fracture and seal the tooth. Delaying the crown risks cracking the tooth and losing the investment you made today.

Night guard (if you clench/grind): protects your new work and jaw joints—ask us if you’re a candidate.

Follow-up check. We may take a quick x-ray or bite adjustment at your next visit to ensure smooth healing.

Contact us promptly

Bite feels high or the temporary/filling dislodges.

Worsening pain or swelling after day 3, fever ≥ 100.4°F (38°C), foul taste/drainage.

Spreading facial swelling, difficulty opening, or pain not controlled by the plan above.

Medication reaction: rash, hives, wheezing, lip/tongue swelling—seek emergency care/911.

▶ Why do I still feel tender after a root canal?

Nearby ligaments were inflamed; they need a few days to settle even after the nerve is treated.

▶ Will it hurt?

You’ll be numb during treatment. Afterward, mild to moderate tenderness (especially to chewing) is common for 24–72 hours. Use the pain plan we gave you. Call if pain worsens after day 3, wakes you at night, or isn’t helped by meds.

▶ Do I need antibiotics?

Not routinely. RCT removes the source of infection inside the tooth. Antibiotics are reserved for spreading swelling, systemic signs (fever, malaise), or specific findings. Take them only if prescribed and finish the course.

▶ What if I get swelling after treatment?

Mild swelling can happen. Cold compress 10–15 minutes on/off the first 24 hours. If swelling rapidly increases, you develop fever ≥100.4°F (38°C), or have trouble swallowing/breathing, call us promptly (911 for airway issues).

▶ What can I eat and when?

While numb, avoid hot liquids and chewing on the numb side. Soft foods the first day; chew on the opposite side until your final restoration is placed.

▶ There’s a temporary filling—how careful do I need to be?

Very. Temporaries can wear or wash out. Avoid sticky/hard foods on that tooth. If it comes out or feels low, call us—keeping a sealed temporary matters.

▶ Will I need a crown after a root canal?

Usually yes for molars and most premolars to prevent fractures. Front teeth may not need a crown if enough healthy tooth remains. We’ll confirm your plan.

▶ How many visits does RCT take?

Many are one visit; some require two if the tooth is complex, infected, or we place medication between visits.

▶ What’s the success rate?

High—most root canals succeed long-term when the tooth is properly restored and kept clean. If problems arise, options include retreatment or a minor surgical procedure (apicoectomy). Extraction is the alternative if a tooth can’t be saved.

▶ Why did my tooth darken, and can it be whitened?

Teeth with prior trauma/RCT can darken. Options include internal bleaching (for eligible front teeth) or external whitening/cosmetic restorations. Ask us about timing after the RCT is stable.

▶ Can I go to work or exercise after?

Most patients return to routine activities the same day once numbness fades. Skip strenuous workouts for the rest of the day; resume as you feel comfortable.

▶ What if I feel a pimple on the gum (sinus tract)?

It’s a small drainage pathway from an infected tooth. It often resolves after RCT; if it persists beyond a couple of weeks, we’ll reassess.

▶ Do I still need cleanings and X-rays?

Yes. RCT fixes inside the tooth; gums and bone still need routine care. We’ll take follow-up X-rays to monitor healing.

▶ How do I keep this tooth healthy long-term?

Get the final crown/filling on time, brush and floss daily, wear a nightguard if you clench/grind, and keep regular cleanings.

We’re here for you. If you’re unsure about anything—call us. If you ever experience trouble breathing, rapidly spreading swelling, or difficulty swallowing, call 911 or go to the ER.

How to reach us

Prime Emergency Dental

(425) 864-7600