Root Canal Post-Operative Instructions
To insure proper healing and to reduce potential problems, we request that you follow all guidelines listed below. Please feel free to ask any questions you might have and do not hesitate to contact the office if we can be of further assistance during your recovery.
1. It is important to realize that some discomfort is normal after this type of dental surgery. This is very difficult to predict but is often proportional to the amount of pain, swelling or infection present with the tooth prior to treatment.
2. It is vital that you complete any drug regimens prescribed by the doctor. Although this process removes infection from inside the tooth, any associated bacteria in the surrounding tissues must be controlled with the use of antibiotics. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen work well in conjunction with stronger prescription pain medications in controlling post-op pain.
3. Even though the nerve is removed from the tooth, you will still have tenderness to pressure for several days due to “micro-swelling” in the ligaments around the roots. For this reason, it is important that you not chew on the tooth until a permanent crown is placed. In most cases, a temporary crown will be placed over the tooth at the end of treatment. This should NOT feel tall or high when you close your teeth together. It the temporary crown does fee high, it is critical that you notify the office so that you may be scheduled to adjust that crown. Failure to do so will significantly slow healing and increase discomfort.
4. Since the nerve and blood supplies are removed from the tooth during this procedure, the tooth will become brittle. This is the reason a crown is usually recommended in conjunction with the root canal. If you elect not to have a crown placed on the tooth, chew at your own risk! This tooth will eventually break.
5. Continued pain and/or swelling with the treated tooth may require additional treatment or referral to a root canal specialist (Endodontist) for evaluation.