Preloader
appointment
Post-Operative Care

Post-Operative Instructions: Root Canal & Endodontic Surgery

After root canal treatment or surgery, you need to follow proper aftercare to maximize healing. Mild to moderate discomfort is normal during the recovery process and should improve in a few days.

Please read and follow all instructions carefully.

Take Instructions On The Go

Download in PDF format.

Download Brochure

Protecting the Surgical Site

To promote proper healing:

  • Do NOT pull your lip or cheek to inspect the area
  • Avoid touching the surgical site with fingers or tongue
  • Do not disturb stitches or the treated tooth
  • Over-manipulation will only cause unnecessary harm and delay recovery.
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

Post-Operative Care, Step by Step

01

Pain Management & Medications

Recommended

  • Begin taking pain medication before numbness subsides.
  • Ibuprofen (Advil®) 600 mg every 6 hours, OR 800 mg every 8 hours (unless otherwise directed).
  • If you cannot take Ibuprofen: use Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) as directed every 6 hours.

Do NOT

  • Do NOT take Aspirin, as it may increase bleeding risk.

It is quite normal to have some pain after your procedure, mainly because of when the anesthetic wears off.

02

Antibiotics (If Prescribed)

  • Take all antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
  • Complete the full course, even if symptoms improve.
  • Do not skip doses.

Important: Taking antibiotics can affect the efficacy of birth control pills. Therefore, you should seek out other methods of protection.

03

Swelling & Bruising

  • Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and typically peaks within 48 to 96 hours.
  • Apply a cold compress or ice pack: 20 minutes ON / 20 minutes OFF.
  • Continue for the first 3–4 hours after surgery.
  • Do not exceed 6 total hours of ice application.
  • Do NOT fall asleep with ice on your face.

After 48 hours, swelling should gradually begin to subside.

04

Diet & Hydration Guidelines

First 24–72 Hours

  • Stay well hydrated.
  • Consume soft, easy-to-chew foods: Yogurt · Applesauce · Mashed potatoes · Scrambled eggs · Smoothies.
  • Gradually return to a normal diet as comfort allows.

Avoid

  • Crunchy or hard foods (chips, nuts, seeds)
  • Hot foods and beverages
  • Sticky or chewy foods

Proper nutrition plays a critical role in recovery.

05

Oral Hygiene & Rinsing

  • Maintaining oral hygiene is important while protecting the surgical area.
  • Continue brushing and flossing normally; avoid brushing directly over the surgical site initially.
  • Starting the day after surgery, rinse gently with warm salt water: 1 teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water.
  • Rinse after meals and before bedtime.
  • Use prescribed antimicrobial rinse if provided.

Do NOT rinse aggressively.

06

Smoking & Alcohol

  • No smoking for 24 hours or longer.
  • Smoking can delay healing and cause complications.
  • Avoid alcohol when taking medication.
07

Bleeding

  • Minor oozing or slight bleeding is normal for several days.
  • Light bleeding may continue up to one week.

Contact the office if: bleeding persists beyond 48 hours, or bleeding becomes heavy or difficult to control.

HEALING & RECOVERY

Your Recovery Timeline

01

Day 1–2

Mild discomfort, initial healing begins

02

Day 2–4

Peak swelling and tenderness

03

Days 5–7

Noticeable improvement

04

2+ Weeks

Continued healing of tissues

  • Healing time depends on the procedure and your overall health.
WARNING SIGNS

When to Call Us — Right Away

Please contact us immediately if you experience:

  • Persistent or worsening pain not controlled by medication
  • Increasing swelling after 3–4 days
  • Fever (above 101°F)
  • Pus, foul taste, or signs of infection
  • Prolonged or excessive bleeding

Call: (203) 327-7498

95 Morgan Street, Suite 1A
Stamford, CT 06905

Call Now

When to Contact Us

Call Stamford Dental Studio if you experience severe or increasing pain, excessive bleeding, significant swelling, fever, or any other unusual concern after your treatment.

Our office is located at 95 Morgan Street, Suite 1A, Stamford, CT. Call (203) 327-7498 to request an appointment with Dr. Joshua Matatov.

Stamford Dental Studio

Welcome to Stamford Dental Studio. Our passionate team is fully committed to delivering personalized, top-tier dental care that you genuinely deserve.

Facebook Youtube Instagram

Navigation

Services

Contact Us

95 Morgan Street, Suite 1A Stamford, CT 06905

Holisticdentalstudio@gmail.com

(203) 327-7498

Copyright © 2026 Stamford Dental Studio