After Completion of Root Canal Treatment

After your root canal treatment it will take time to repair the irritated and inflamed tissues that support your tooth in the jawbone. Your tooth will be tender to biting for the first few weeks and you may notice a difference in biting for even a few months. In order to reduce the inflammatory response and speed up the healing process, it is very helpful to take 600 mg. of Ibuprofen (i.e. three tabs of 200 mg. Advil, Motrin, or Ibuprofen) every four hours today, even if the tooth is not sore when the anesthetic wears off. Tomorrow, only take Ibuprofen if necessary. If you’re unable to take Ibuprofen or NSAIDS, substitute two tabs of Tylenol or acetaminophen. Avoid chewing on the tooth until the tenderness is gone.

Your jaw muscles will be sore from keeping your mouth open and the anesthetic injection site may also be sore. The clamp used around your tooth to secure the rubber dam may also cause irritation to the gum tissue for a few days. If swelling develops or pain increases, please contact our office.

If you have been referred back to your general dentist for your final restoration (ie- crown or filling), although your roots are permanently sealed, the outer surface is filled with a temporary filling. Try to not eat on the side of the root canal for the first day. Your temporary filling will last approximately one month. It is absolutely necessary for you to see your regular dentist anytime between two to five weeks after your root canal to have your permanent restoration placed. This amount of time will allow most of your tenderness to subside before having further procedures done on your tooth. If your tooth does not get the necessary final restoration (crown or filling) and the temporary filling wears out, the root canal will become infected and need retreatment or extraction.

As a part of our service, an X-ray will be taken in six to nine months to evaluate your healing progress. Please, mark your calendar and call to schedule this appointment. There are no additional fees for this visit. This appointment will take no more than 15 minutes.

Feel free to call if you have any questions. We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you!