What should I expect following root canal therapy?

• It is not uncommon for a tooth to be uncomfortable or even exhibit a dull ache immediately after receiving root canal therapy. This should subside within one week.
• Your tooth will likely be sensitive to biting pressure. This feeling is a result of the sensitivity of nerve endings in the tissue just outside the end of the root canal, where we cleaned and irrigated. The temporary filling in the tooth may begin to wear away to some degree, and a depression or rough area may be felt after several week.

What should I do after my root canal therapy?

• It is extremely important to return to your general dentist for the permanent filling and/or crown. We will only place a TEMPORARY restoration for you here at the end of your treatment.

What can I do to relieve pain?

• We recommend you take something for pain relief within one hour of leaving our office, to get the medication into your system before the anesthetic we administered begins to subside. We recommend Ibuprofen 800mg, three times a day, because of its anti-inflammatory properties. If you have a medical condition or gastrointestinal disorder which precludes ibuprofen, then the next best choice is Tylenol 500-1000mg every six hours Your Endodontist may prescribe stronger medication and/or antibiotics if necessary.

What about eating?

• Whenever possible, try to chew on the opposite side from the tooth we have just treated until the permanent filling and/or crown has been placed. Until that time, your tooth still is weakened and could fracture. Also, please avoid eating hard, chewy and stick foods.

Please call us if:

• You are experiencing symptoms more intense or of longer duration than those described above.
• You encounter significant swelling.
• The temporary material is dislodged, feels loose, or feels “high” when biting.
• Your tooth fractures.
• You have any questions at all.