Instructions following Root Canal Treatment

If treatment has been initiated but NOT completed due to the status of your tooth:

The root canal treatment on your tooth is NOT complete.  Dr. Rajiv Patel has placed a medicament inside your tooth to help with the healing process. It is essential for you to return to our office for further treatment.  Do NOT eat anything for the first two hours following the procedure as it takes this time for the temporary to get hard. For the rest of the day, eat semi-solid food only.  It is advisable to chew on the opposite side until treatment is completed.  Under NO circumstances should you chew anything hard, gum, candy, or anything that is sticky on the tooth, even if you were not experiencing any discomfort prior to treatment, this may lead to a fracture of your tooth. Following these instructions is essential, since a fracture can make the tooth unrestorable leading to an extraction and additional costs related to the same.

If root canal treatment has been completed and a temporary filling placed:

Your root canal treatment is now complete and has a temporary filling.  The canal(s)  has been sealed and nature must now have time to repair the damage that the original irritant produced.  Do not chew on the tooth until you have the tooth restored.  Although the roots are permanently sealed, the outer surface is filled with a temporary restoration, which will get hard after two hours of placement and may last for many weeks.  It is advisable to see your regular dentist as soon as possible to restore the tooth permanently.  Current research has shown that even newly sealed root canals will be totally contaminated with bacteria if the temporary filling is missing for over three weeks.  A final restoration (crown, only, filling) will give the tooth its necessary protection.

If root canal treatment has been completed and a permanent filling placed:

Your root canal treatment is now complete and has a core build up. The canal(s) has been sealed and nature must now have time to repair the damage that the original irritant produced.  Do not chew on the tooth until all the tenderness is gone.  We have placed a permanent filling in your tooth.  You may still need to see your general dentist for possibly a new crown or a crown if none is present at time of treatment, and you should return to our office for a regular follow up visit as recommended.

The following instructions are common to all scenarios:

It is normal for you to experience some degree of discomfort for a few days.  This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking Aleve, ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.   Warm salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) may also help.  Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above medications or should swelling develop, please contact our office, we are here to help, and will be happy to do so. If you need clarification of any instructions, have questions or concerns, please call us 972.691.ENDO (3636).