Cottonwood EndodonticsExceptional endodontic care
801-278-3636

Patient instructions

After your root canal treatment

Your root canal treatment is complete. The canals are permanently sealed, and the top of the tooth has a temporary filling.

Next step: call your dentist now. Your dentist needs to place a permanent restoration to protect the tooth from breaking or decaying. If it is left unprotected, the tooth may fracture or need retreatment. We will send your dentist a full report.

What is normal

  • The tooth and nearby gum may be tender, especially when you bite. This fades as the tissues heal.
  • Healing time is different for everyone and can take up to 6 months.

Relieving discomfort

One of these over-the-counter medicines may help:

MedicineHow muchHow often
Ibuprofen (Advil) 200 mg1 to 4 tabletsEvery 6 hours
Naproxen (Aleve) 220 mg1 to 2 tabletsEvery 12 hours
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500 mg1 to 2 tabletsEvery 6 hours

Call 801-278-3636 right away if your pain is not controlled by these medicines or if swelling develops. Please have your pharmacy’s phone number ready.

Your follow-up exam

Most root canal treatment succeeds, but occasionally a problem develops, so we like to check your healing. A short follow-up exam is included at no extra charge. Please call us about 6 months after treatment to schedule it.

If you have any questions, or aren’t sure whether something is normal, please call. Thank you for letting us care for you.