What to Expect after Treatment
- Because cleaning the root canals may cause inflammation of tissue surrounding the tooth, you may experience some discomfort for a day or so. Over-the-counter analgesics usually alleviate the discomfort.
- Talk with your dentist about which medication to take. If the discomfort continues, or if you have severe pain or swelling, call your dentist.
- Between appointments a temporary medicated filling or crown is placed. It is not uncommon for these soft medicated fillings to partially wear between appointments. Because temporary restorations will eventually loosen, see your dentist promptly following completed root canal treatment for a final restoration.
- Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed to help control infection. Please take all medication as directed. Antibiotics are not routinely prescribed to reduce the chance of developing a resistance to them.
How to Take Care of Your Mouth After Treatment
- Avoid chewing or biting directly on the treated tooth until your dentist replaces the temporary restoration.
- If medication is prescribed, take it only as directed.
- Return for a follow-up exam after treatment as directed to make sure there has been proper healing of the tissues surrounding the tooth root.
Re-treatment may occasionally be necessary. Even though the pulp of the tooth was removed, the tooth is still nourished from surrounding tissues. As with any living tissue, treatment is occasionally unsuccessful and a retreatment, or removal of the tooth, may be necessary.