Post Operative
During your treatment, your endodontist will remove the diseased pulp, clean and shape the canals and fill and seal the roots to prevent future contamination. A temporary filling will seal the tooth between your appointment with us and follow-up with your general dentist.
These instructions will help answer some of your questions about what to expect and how to take care of your mouth after treatment.
What to Expect After Treatment
Cleansing the root canal system may cause inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tooth. You may experience discomfort for a few days. Sometimes it takes several days for symptoms to develop. The tooth may throb or be sensitive to bite or touch.
Over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen usually alleviate the discomfort. If you are prescribed an antibiotic to help control infection, it should be started immediately and be taken until gone. An ice pack placed outside of the cheek will also help alleviate symptoms.
Severe pain that keeps you awake at night or pain not alleviated by medication should be reported to our office. You should also call us if you develop swelling or if prior swelling worsens. Sometimes your gum will be red and swollen because of the clamp that was used around the tooth during the procedure. This is within normal limits of treatment.
How to Take Care of Your Mouth
Avoid chewing or biting directly on the treated tooth until your general dentist replaces the temporary filling. It is OK to brush and floss your teeth. If the temporary filling is lost, call our office so that we can arrange to replace the temporary. You can check to see if the temporary filling is in place by looking into a mirror.
Take any prescribed medication only as directed.
REMEMBER! Your root canal is not finished until the canal spaces are filled and sealed at your second appointment. It is very important that you return after your initial appointment for completion. Failure to do so can result in the loss of your tooth. Once your root canal is completed, it is important to see your general dentist for a final restoration.
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