Congratulations! By saving your tooth with endodontic treatment, you have made a significant step towards better oral health. You may have questions about the post-operative period and on how to preserve the health of your tooth following root canal treatment.
What to Expect Following Endodontic Treatment
The root canal system inside your tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, and the irritated tissue and the bacteria that caused you to need endodontic treatment have been removed. It is normal to feel some tenderness in the area over the next few days as your body undergoes the natural healing process.
You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time. These symptoms are temporary and usually respond very well to over-the-counter pain medications.
It is important for you to follow your endodontist’s instructions on how to take these medications. Prescription pain relievers are very rarely necessary. Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment has been completed. However, if you have severe pain, contact your endodontist.
Guidelines for Endodontic Post-Treatment
- Do not eat anything or drink hot beverages until the numbness in your mouth wears off. This will prevent you from biting your cheek or tongue.
- Do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist.
- You may find it helpful to use warm compresses or a heating pad on the outside of your face if you experience muscle soreness or jaw pain.
- Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would unless otherwise instructed by your endodontist.
- If the opening in your tooth was restored with a temporary filling material, It is not unusual for a thin layer to wear off between appointments. However, if you think the entire filling has come out,contact your endodontist.
- Contact your endodontist right away if you experience any of the following:
– a visible swelling inside or outside of your mouth;
– an allergic reaction to medication, including rash, hives or itching (nausea is not an allergic reaction);
– a return of original symptoms; or
– your bite feels uneven.