Before Endodontic Treatment
Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.
If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, cardiac or other prosthesis, please make sure you are able to take the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 780-544-0599.
General Instructions Following Treatment
Your tooth and the surrounding gum tissue will be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and the previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm.
If crown placement has been recommended following the completion of the root canal treatment, chew only soft foods on the treated side until your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, naproxen sodium (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.
NOTE: Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above-listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact our office immediately. 780-544-0599
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. A follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. A complete report of treatment will be sent to your dentist. They will then contact you to schedule the appropriate appointment for the restoration of your tooth.
Your tooth is susceptible to fracture after endodontic treatment. You should chew on the other side until your dentist has placed a protective restoration, usually a crown.
Included in your endodontic 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.
Are There Any Potential Problems After Surgical 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. If you are experiencing persistent numbness, please contact our practice.
- 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 our practice.
- Post-operative infections. Post-operative infections occasionally occur. Many times placing you on an oral antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection Occasionally, other follow-up procedures will be needed. If you feel you are experiencing any unanticipated pain or swelling, please contact our practice.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 780-544-0599