After Completion of Endodontic Treatment

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. It is very important that you return to your dentist for proper restoration of your tooth to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment. A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist.

Included in your treatment is a follow-up examination to evaluate the progress of healing. This appointment will require only a few minutes and no additional fee will be charged.  If you could not schedule at the completion of your treatment appointment, please call for an appointment during the following month.

Your tooth is more prone to fracture immediately after endodontic treatment. You should chew on the other side until your restorative dentist has placed a proper protective restoration. If your tooth’s strength is compromised, your endodontist or restorative dentist may place a post and core build-up inside the tooth. Your restorative dentist and endodontist will determine the appropriate restoration to best protect your tooth.

GENERAL ROOT CANAL TREATMENT POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Before the numbness wears off, take a pain medicine such as Aspirin, Motrin, or Tylenol as directed on the bottle to help reduce any discomfort that you may have, unless the doctor has written you a prescription. If the doctor has written you a prescription have it filled and take it as directed.

2. The tooth can be very sore to biting pressure for several days. Avoid eating on the tooth until your dentist has properly restored it.

3. If hot and/or cold liquids were affecting the tooth prior to the root canal, the hot and/or cold will no longer affect the tooth. It is fine to drink liquids on that side.

4. The gums may be sensitive for several days, however, it is important to perform good oral hygiene habits by brushing and flossing in order for the gums around the tooth to stay healthy and to prevent recurrent decay.

5. The symptoms mentioned above, is a normal response after having a root canal. Time for healing is the major factor now.

6. If you have any questions or concerns about the treatment you received today, please feel free to call our office. Our phone is always answered and the doctor will be in touch with you.

Your confidence in us is greatly appreciated. If we can be of any assistance in the future to you, your family or friends, please do not hesitate to call.

Are There Any Potential Problems After Treatment?

  • Lower teeth and nerve injury. There is a slight possibility that nerve injury can occur during root canal surgery to the lower posterior teeth. Your endodontist is trained to assess this possibility prior to treatment and will advise you accordingly. For lower posterior teeth, the root tips may be near a nerve that supplies feeling to the lip, chin and gums. Your endodontist is trained to design your surgery to minimize the chances of damaging this nerve. Rarely, this nerve can become irritated during the process of surgery. In these cases, when the local anesthesia wears off, you may experience tingling, altered sensation or, in rare cases a complete lack of feeling in the affected tissues. Should this occur, it is usually temporary and will resolve over a period of days, weeks or months. In rare cases, these changes can be permanent and/or painful.
  • Upper teeth and sinus communication. The upper teeth are situated near your sinuses, and root canal surgery can result in a communication between your mouth and the adjacent sinus. Should this complication occur, it will usually heal spontaneously. We will give you special instructions if this is apparent at the time of surgery. We prefer that you don’t blow your nose for two to three days after surgery. If you have to sneeze, you should sneeze with an open mouth into a tissue. You should not create any pressure in the sinus area. If you sense a complication after surgery, please contact us.
  • Post-operative infections. Post-operative infections occasionally occur. This usually requires just an office visit and examination. Many times placing you on an antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection Occasionally, other follow-up procedures will be needed.

Opening to Sinus

Air Communication From Sinus

Sinus Communication Corrected

If you have any questions, please call our office at Lake Norman Area Phone Number 704-237-9022