Patient Info

AFTER TODAY’S TREATMENT

The tooth and surrounding gum tissue will be tender and/or painful for 2 to 3 days following your root canal therapy. This is due to inflammation in the surrounding ligament from the existing condition and the manipulation of the tooth during treatment. This is a normal reaction. If necessary, an analgesic (painkiller) such as ibuprofen (i.e. Advil or Motrin), aspirin or Tylenol may be needed. On occasion a strong narcotic analgesic may be prescribed. It is normal to need these analgesics for 2 to 3 days. If the pain persists beyond that time or increases in intensity or swelling develops, please call our office.

If your treatment requires more than one visit, there may be a medicinal taste noticed between appointments. This is due to the medicated temporary filling placed in the tooth and is normal. If you notice this temporary filling chipping or missing, call our office.

Under no circumstances should you chew on the side of your mouth with the tooth having root canal therapy. This could cause prolonged pain or fracture of the tooth.

If your tooth has been left open for drainage due to infection, it is necessary to rinse frequently with warm salt water and take the prescribed antibiotic. An appointment to close the opening or finish the treatment will be necessary.

When the root canal therapy is completed, the opening in the tooth through which root canal treatment was done is sealed with a temporary filling. Arrange to see your family dentist within the next few weeks to have the tooth restored with a more durable material.

Usually the endodontically treated tooth has been weakened by previous decay and fillings. It is often necessary for this tooth to receive additional protection in the form of a crown (cap) or onlay. Your family dentist is best qualified to determine how to restore your tooth. A report and x-ray are being sent to your dentist, informing him that endodontic treatment has been completed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our office.