Tenderness after treatment
The tooth and surrounding gum tissue may feel tender for several days, particularly when pain or infection was present before treatment. Mild jaw soreness can also occur from keeping your mouth open. Symptoms should generally become more manageable rather than intensify.
Eating and protecting the tooth
Wait until numbness has fully resolved before eating so you do not accidentally bite your cheek, lip, or tongue. Avoid heavy chewing and hard foods on the treated tooth until endodontic care is complete and your restorative dentist has placed the recommended permanent restoration.
If a temporary filling or crown feels loose, comes out, or leaves the bite feeling uneven, contact the office.
Hygiene
Continue brushing and flossing unless you were given different instructions for a surgical area. Be gentle around tender tissues and keep the area clean.
Medication safety
Use over-the-counter or prescription medication only as directed by the office, the prescribing clinician, and the product label. Do not combine medications or drink alcohol with a medication when the instructions advise against it. Sedating or prescription pain medication may affect driving and other activities.
Contact KC Endodontics if you experience
- Severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days or is getting worse
- Visible or increasing swelling inside or outside the mouth
- Rash, hives, itching, or another possible medication reaction
- A temporary filling or crown that comes out
- An uneven bite that is causing significant discomfort
- A return of the symptoms you had before treatment
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, or other severe symptoms require emergency medical attention.