After Treatment:
Your endodontic (root canal) treatment is now complete. Taking an analgesic before the numbness wears off may help maintain an acceptable comfort level. Please wait to eat or drink on the affected side until after the numbness has worn away. Please do not chew or attempt to eat
on the affected side while you are still numb.
Discomfort:
Discomfort or soreness in the area is normal for a few days (or even weeks) and range from mild to severe. This occurs because of existing infection and inflammation of the gum and tooth ligaments as well as the manipulation of the tooth during treatment. The gums may be sore and the tooth is often tender to biting or chewing. Over the counter analgesics such as Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Aspirin, Motrin, Excedrin, and Tylenol should relieve most of the discomfort.
Rinsing with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water) will help. Discomfort in the area in no way affects the successful outcome of treatment. If antibiotics and/or pain medications were prescribed, please take them as directed. If you were given a prescription for pain, it is meant to help you with more serious discomfort only for a couple of days. In the unlikely event that swelling, fever, or severe pain should occur, please call the office promptly.
Temporary Filling:
A temporary filling has been placed in the entry made into your tooth. It is normal for a thin layer of the temporary filling to be chewed away between appointments. An unusual taste can be expected. Should all of the temporary filling come out, please call our office. It’s important that your temporary filling stays intact until the placement of a permanent restoration.
Final Restorations:
IF AN APPOINTMENT TO PLACE A FINAL RESTORATION HAS NOT BEEN MADE, PLEASE TELEPHONE TO SCHEDULE THIS APPOINTMENT PROMPTLY. Endodontically treated teeth have been weakened by previous decay and fillings. It is necessary for these teeth to receive additional protection in the form of a cast restoration (onlay or crown). This will protect these teeth against future fracture and decay, and protect the root canal filling from possible
contamination. Delay in obtaining a final restoration may result in fracture and/or possible loss of the tooth or require a re-treatment or a root canal. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call our office for consultation.