After Endodontic Treatment

General Instructions After YOUR Visit

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be tender for several days as a result of the previous condition of your tooth and manipulation during treatment. This tenderness is normal and is not cause for alarm. This soreness is due to the inflammation or infection around the root of the tooth and the inflammation in the TMJ and jaw muscles from being open during treatment. Your tooth should feel better each day after treatment. Remember that narcotic pain medications, if prescribed, may make you drowsy, and caution should be taken in operating machinery or driving. Narcotic pain medication can also upset your stomach so it is best taken with food.

  • Please try to avoid chewing on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist.
  • Do not eat until the numbness has worn off. This will prevent you from biting your cheek or tongue.
  • It is more effective to control the inflammation from your tooth condition and the procedure immediately rather than waiting for pain to come. We recommend that you take a combination of medications at the same time. We would like you to take ibuprofen (600 mg of Motrin, Advil or generic ibuprofen, which is equivalent to 3 over-the-counter tablets, every 6 hours) along with acetaminophen (Tylenol 500mg every 6 hours). This combination can be taken for 2-3 days following your procedure. The combination of the ibuprofen and the acetaminophen can be as effective as prescription narcotics.

IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO OR CANNOT TOLERATE THE ABOVE PLEASE TAKE THE FOLLOWING:

  • If allergic to ibuprofen  take-acetaminophen (Tylenol).
  • If allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) take-600mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours for a duration of two days.
  • Do not be concerned if your tooth is sensitive or sore for up to one week and possibly longer after the procedure. This can be a normal response.
  • You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen including brushing and flossing.
  • If you have a temporary filling, it is not unusual for a thin layer or small portion to wear down between appointments. The temporary may sink slightly giving the impression that it has come out. If you feel that the entire temporary has come out, please contact us.

After Completion of Endodontic Treatment

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. A follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment. A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. In certain cases a follow-up examination will be needed to evaluate the progress of healing. This appointment will require only a few minutes and Dr. Karras will evaluate the tooth and take one xray to confirm the healing progress. If Dr. Karras feels you need a follow-up appointment (usually 3-6 months from time of treatment completion) our office will call you to schedule your follow-up visit.

  • A permanent restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and re-infection. We recommend that you see your dentist 2–3 weeks after Root Canal Therapy for the final restoration.
  • Your tooth is more prone to fracture immediately after endodontic treatment. You should chew on the other side until your restorative dentist has placed a core build-up and a protective restoration, usually a crown. 

If you have any questions, please call our office at Karras Endodontics Phone Number (847) 677 - 3636