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What to expect:
It is normal to feel some discomfort for several days, following root canal treatment. This is due to existing infection and inflammation of the tooth ligaments, as well as manipulation of the tooth during treatment. The tooth may be tender to biting or chewing. You may also notice some soreness of the gums around the tooth due to placement of the rubber dam clamp.
Numbness:
You will be numb after the root canal treatment and the anesthesia may last for an hour or more. Wait to eat or drink until the numbness has worn off completely. Management of Discomfort: Please take 800 mg of ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) before the anesthesia wears off. Continue to take 800 mg ibuprofen regularly every 8 hours for the next 2-3 days if needed. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to it. If you have been prescribed pain medication, it is meant to help you with more serious discomfort only for a couple of days. If you have been prescribed an antibiotic, make sure to complete the course of the antibiotic as directed, even if the tooth feels better after a few days. This will help to eliminate the existing infection. Rinsing with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in an 8 ounce glass of warm water) will help heal your gum tissue.
Temporary Filling:
You now have a temporary filling, which will remain in the tooth for 3-4 weeks. Because the filling is temporary, it is normal for a thin layer of it to be chewed away between appointments and you may notice an unusual taste. If the entire filling comes out, please call the office. It is important that the temporary filling stays intact until the final restoration is placed.
Final Restoration:
Because teeth receiving root canal treatment have been weakened by previous decay and/or fillings, it is necessary for these teeth to be built up to replace lost tooth structure and then restored with a crown to receive additional protection. The crown will protect your tooth against future fracture as well as protecting the root canal filling from possible contamination. Delay in obtaining the buildup and crown may result in fracture and/or possible loss of the tooth or require the root canal to be retreated.
Please contact our office at (703) 266-BITE (703-266-2483) in the unlikely event that swelling, fever, or severe pain should occur, or if you have any questions.
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