WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AFTER YOUR ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
You have just had a surgical procedure performed through your tooth. During this procedure the nerves and blood
vessels were surgically removed from the inside of each root and the passages (root canals) for these tissues were
also cleaned. The canals inside each root were disinfected using strong antibacterial solutions. The canals were
dried and filled with a root canal sealer along with an inert rubber-like material called gutta percha. The surgical site
in your tooth was filled with a temporary filling that will take one hour to harden. You may drink immediately
after treatment but you should wait one hour to eat soft foods.
Like any other surgical procedure, inflammation will follow your treatment. Typically inflammation increases over
the first 24-72 hours. It is expected that your tooth will be somewhat sore for 7 to 10 days following your treatment.
Soreness may consist of a mild to moderate improving dull ache, or discomfort when biting on the tooth. If you
experience sensitivity following an appointment, we recommend you take an anti-inflammatory medication such as
ibuprofen*(e.g. Advil, Motrin or Aspirin) to reduce inflammation which will in turn reduce pain. You may want to
apply ice (on for 15 minutes and off for 15 minutes, then repeat) to the outside of your face. Please report any
unusual symptoms such as swelling, fever or profoundly swollen glands to our office. Consistent medication as
directed is the key to comfort.
Please do not chew on the tooth at all. It is important that you limit your diet to soups and other soft foods that
require no chewing. The treated tooth should experience no strain whatsoever. When eating use the other side of
your mouth to bite through soft foods. You should avoid chewing on the tooth until your dentist has finished reengineering your tooth back to optimal health (this usually requires having a crown or cap fabricated).
Slowly over time, you may introduce soft foods to the tooth. Remember that your tooth has been treated surgically
through the crown and needs to heal completely before you can expect full function. If the recently treated tooth
feels higher than the surrounding teeth, call our office and we will schedule you to come in for an adjustment. We
can reduce the surface area so that it fits more comfortably with the rest of your bite. Please note that the process of
inflammation can actually elevate a tooth slightly in the bite and create this sensation…another reason for taking
anti-inflammatory medication.
If your temporary filling becomes dislodged or compromised in any way and we have not completed your root
canal, call during office hours and schedule a time to replace the filling. If your root canal was recently completed
and you have problems with your temporary filling while waiting to get in to see your dentist, please give us a call.
WHY YOU NEED A CROWN
After root canal therapy is completed, we always recommend that a crown be placed over the treated tooth as a
means of ensuring its future integrity (there are few exceptions). A tooth that has been subjected to extensive
restorations and/or root canal therapy is invariably weakened in the process. The crown functions as a protective
covering on the tooth to help prevent it from cracking or breaking. Without this protective crown, it is an
understatement to imply that the patient may jeopardize his/her entire investment. We therefore urge all patients to
see their dentist for this critical follow-up procedure.
* For soreness following the procedure you may take 600mg of Ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed for two or three
days. Ibuprofen is the generic brand for Advil and Motrin, and is the least expensive. If you are allergic to
Ibuprofen or have ulcers that prevent you from using it, try extra strength Tylenol as the label directs. If you were
given a prescription, please follow the directions carefully. Discontinue any medication that causes difficulty
breathing, a rash, itching and/or puffiness around your eyes. Medications that cause foul smelling diarrhea should
also be discontinued. If you have any of these symptoms please call our office.