What Happens After Treatment?
1. At the conclusion of your treatment, your tooth or that area of your mouth may still feel frozen or numb. Please be extra cautious eating and drinking as you may have limited feeling. As you feel the numbness going away, this is a great time to take some anti-inflammatory medication.
2. You may have had a temporary restoration placed in your tooth, please allow at least 30-60 minutes before attempting to chew on your tooth.
a.) If root canal therapy has been initiated you must schedule an additional appointment(s) at our office for completion. We typically ask you to return within seven (7) days.
b.) If root canal therapy has been completed, you must return to your regular dentist to have the temporary filling replaced. Ideally we would like you to return to your dentist within thirty (30) days. At that time, your dentist may recommend that a crown be placed to protect your tooth. Please avoid pressure or chewing on the tooth (teeth) that has been treated until you have seen your regular dentist for permanent restoration.
3. Ideally upon completion of your treatment it is normal to expect that you’ll have no discomfort or pain. In some cases, you may experience some discomfort on the tooth that has been treated. This may last anywhere between seven to ten days. Swelling in the affected area may also occur. These are not unusual postoperative events; however, with each passing day the tooth should begin to feel better.
4. If you were given any medication, especially antibiotics, it is imperative that you continue with these medications until they are all gone. If you are having any problems or allergic reactions to your medications, please notify the office of any problems that may arise from medications being taken.
5. When your root canal therapy has been completed, we will send a record of the treatment to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion of treatment at our office. Meanwhile, to prevent fracture, avoid eating on the treated tooth until it is restored. Your restorative dentist will consult with you about what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth.
Will I need a Checkup Appointment?
Yes. It is strongly recommended that you return to our office for periodic examinations to allow our doctors to monitor the complete healing of your tooth. This appointment is usually set upon the completion of your treatment.