Endodontic Post-Treatment Instructions
What to Expect
Patients may or may not experience discomfort following treatment. If sensitivity does occur, it is normal and it is likely due to irritation produced by the inflammation that was present in your tooth. This discomfort should resolve in approximately three to ten days. If medications are prescribed, please take them as exactly as directed to help the healing process.
Upon completion of the root canal therapy, a temporary restoration is placed in the tooth to prevent possible recontamination of the root canal by saliva and bacteria. This temporary seals the root canal, and is not meant for function. The tooth should really not have any chewing until the general dentist has started the crown procedure. Absolutely avoid all hard, crunchy foods and ice.
The gums around the tooth may be irritated following treatment. This is a normal part of the procedure and it will resolve after a few days. To help healing, gentle toothbrushing in the area is recommended.
It may be necessary to have you return to our clinic at a future date for check-up (recall) appointments to evaluate the healing process of the root canal treated tooth. This allows us the opportunity to provide the best possible care and make sure that you are not having any problems.
Medications
Antibiotics: If antibiotics are prescribed, please take them as directed on the label, usually for 1 week, until they are all gone. If they are causing stomach upset, take them with a light snack. If you are a woman on birth control pills, please be aware that there can be a decrease in the effectiveness of PCBs from taking antibiotics and a secondary form of birth control is required during and after completing a course of antibiotics.
Pain medication: An anti-inflammatory medication (Ibuprofen or Tylenol) is usually recommended post- treatment for 2-3 days, 4 times a day. This will help minimize discomfort and speed up the healing. If narcotic pain relievers are prescribed, they are meant to be a supplement if the discomfort is not fully controlled with the anti-inflammatory. The narcotics should be taken between doses of the anti-inflammatory medication.
Next Appointment
It is extremely important that your General Dentist place a permanent restoration on the tooth as soon as possible—this should be started within the next 2-3 weeks. The permanent filling or crown will protect the root canal treated tooth and prevent possible fracture of the remaining tooth structure. The success of your new root canal depends on this final step with your dentist!
Problems
If you have questions or think that the post-treatment progress is not proceeding properly, please contact our office at: 904-241-0030.