The better the aftercare, faster the recovery.

After any dental treatment, a set of instructions are handed to the patient by the dental staff to follow for a few days to recover well; these are called post-operative instructions or simply, ‘post-op instructions’. If this aftercare is neglected, it will result in dental problems such as bleeding, infection, dry socket, and severe pain.

Post-op instructions after root canal treatment:

  • Since a local anesthetic has been used, parts of your mouth, your lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for a few hours after the appointment. Avoid chewing and consuming hot beverages until the numbness has worn off.
  • Some discomfort may be expected for the first 24-72 hours after a root canal procedure. To manage discomfort, take the pain medications as prescribed. We generally do not prescribe any antibiotics after a root canal treatment, but in case we do, complete the duration of antibiotics as prescribed.
  • Taking a pain killer before the numbness wears off can significantly reduce post-operative pain/discomfort.
  • To protect the tooth, avoid eating hard or sticky food (such as gum) and try to chew on the other side of your mouth for the next 24 hours.
  • Continue to brush and floss normally.
  • Usually, the last step after root canal treatment is the placement of full or partial coverage final restoration on the tooth. A crown covers and protects the tooth from a fracture in the future.
  • Schedule an appointment as soon as the root canal is completed. Delay in obtaining final restoration may result in fracture and possible loss of the tooth.
  • If your bite feels uneven, you have persistent pain, or you have any other questions or concerns, please call our dental office at +92-315-3368478 or +92-21-37227441.


Post-Op Instructions after Scaling and Polishing

  • Avoid eating or drinking for the next 30 minutes.
  • Avoid drinking or eating anything too hot or too cold for the next 24 hours.
  • Avoid tea and coffee for the next 24 hours.
  • Do not smoke for 24 hours, or quitting would be even better.
  • Avoid foods and beverages that can stain a white shirt.
  • Mild sensitivity to hot or cold liquids may occur. This usually passes within 1 – 2 days.
  • If you experience gum sensitivity, do not brush the affected area while brushing your teeth.
  • Do not brush your teeth aggressively.
  • Bleeding on brushing for 1-2 days is normal since it takes a little time for the unhealthy gums to heal and get back to health. Healthy gums don’t bleed. Keep brushing, gently!
  • If you have any other questions or concerns, please call us at the dental office at +92-315-3368478, +92-21-37227441.


Post-Op Instructions After Dental Surgery (Extractions):

  • Remove the cotton placed on the surgical site after 30 minutes.
  • Take the pain killer prescribed after removing the cotton
  • Do not spit or rinse for the next 24 hours. Bleeding from the surgical site is not unusual for the first 24 hours. Do not disturb it by touching the site with your tongue or tissue paper.
  • If, in case there are some traces of bleeding, do not spit or try to rinse it out. Instead, dip cotton or tissue in cold water, squeeze it, place it on the surgical site and bite on it slightly to create some pressure. Hold in place for 5-10 minutes and the bleeding will stop.
  • Twenty-four hours after surgery, you have to make sure that you rinse (3-4 times daily) with two pinches of salt in a glass of Luke warm water for the next 4-5 days.
  • Place an ice pack over the surgical site for 1/2 hour.
  • To minimize swelling, continue to apply ice packs every 1/2 hour for 15 minutes, during the first 6 hours after surgery.
  • Swelling may occur after surgery and is completely normal. It may begin 24 hours after surgery, then increase for the next 48 hours, then gradually subside. Sleep with your head in an elevated position for the first couple of nights after surgery.
  • Keep food away from the surgical site. It is essential to maintain proper nourishment, therefore, stick to a soft food diet for the next two days after surgery.
  • Avoid eating and drinking anything too hot for the first 24 hours after surgery.
  • Please refrain from smoking during the first 48 hours as well as minimizing its frequency during the healing phase. Quitting smoking altogether is even better.
  • No strenuous exercise, like going to the gym or running, for the first 48 hours after surgery.
  • No drinking of alcoholic beverages while taking the prescribed medications.
  • Avoid using a straw.
  • We expect your recovery period to be as uneventful and comfortable as possible. However, if a question or concern should arise regarding your treatment or medication being taken, feel free to contact our office at +92-315-3368478 & +92-21-37227441.