What to expect after having a Root Canal:
- Typically you will experience some discomfort for two to three days. Following this the tooth may still be tender to chewing for a few more days. Usually the amount of pre-treatment pain is a good indicator of the amount of discomfort you will experience following the root canal procedure. While this is the norm, it is not uncommon to be sore for up to two weeks. As long as the tenderness is gradually getting better, you should not be concerned.
- The discomfort you do experience is due to inflammation of the Periodontal Ligament, which is between the tooth and the bone. This was inflamed prior to the root canal treatment, and the procedures performed today also caused some inflammation to occur.
- Try and avoid chewing on the treated tooth for a few days so that the inflammation will hopefully subside more quickly.
- It is very important that you take the Ibuprofen as prescribed (unless you are unable to take Ibuprofen). The Ibuprofen does two things for you:
1. It serves as pain medication and thus decreases your discomfort.
2. It is a strong anti-inflammatory medication, so it speeds the healing process.
So please take the Ibuprofen as instructed until it is all gone!
- A report of your treatment along with a final x-ray will be forwarded to your family dentist. If we did not place a permanent filling in the tooth, it is important that you return to your family dentist to have that done. Many times a tooth that has had a root canal needs to have a crown. Your dentist is best qualified to determine what the best restoration for the tooth is.
- It is important that the tooth is permanently restored; otherwise the long-term success of the root canal treatment will be compromised.
- Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call us at 253-268-0097.
