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. 

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 your tooth’s strength is seriously compromised, your endodontist or restorative dentist may place a post and core build-up inside the tooth. Your restorative dentist and endodontist will determine the appropriate restoration to best protect your tooth.

After Care Instructions

• Your tooth may ache over the next 3 to 7 days. We recommend taking over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin 18) as needed. 600 mg of ibuprofen is usually enough to relieve mild to moderate pain.
  In some instances, a stronger pain medication may be needed. For moderate to severe pain, we recommend taking 600- 800mg of ibuprofen followed by a prescribed pain reliever 2 hours later, repeating this sequence every 4 hours as needed.
  • For example: take 600mg of ibuprofen immediately after treatment. If you are still experiencing pain, take the prescribed pain reliever (as directed) 2 hours after taking the ibuprofen. Two hours later repeat the ibuprofen and then the prescribed pain reliever 2 hours after that, and so on. Typically, you will only have to take both medication for a short period of time, 1-2 days. 
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic by us or your dentist, please continue taking it as directed.
• Please do not chew on the tooth that received root canal treatment until after you see your dentist for a crown or filling in the tooth. Chewing directly on the tooth could cause it to crack. You will also find that it may feel “high” when you bite and may be sore to touch. Normally, this will resolve in a few weeks. The gum tissue may be sore for a few days.
• You may eat normally after the numbness has worn off (the temporary filling will be hard in a short period of time). However, please avoid chewing on the tooth.
• You must see your dentist within the next 4-6 weeks to have a crown or filling placed in your tooth. You may see your dentist as soon as 3 days after your appointment with us. This is very important. The temporary filling will leak after 4-6 weeks and the tooth could become contaminated and could cause a toothache. In some circumstances, retreatment could be necessary.

Please notify us if any of the following occurs: Swelling around the tooth or in the face and jaw. Pain that is not relieved by the pain medication prescribed and/or recommended. Any allergic reaction that you experience. 

Post-operative infections. Post-operative infections occasionally occur. This usually requires antibiotics. Many times placing you on an antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection. Occasionally, other follow-up procedures will be needed.

If you have any questions, please call our office at Dayton Office Phone Number 937-291-0022