After Completion of Endodontic Treatment

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. We would like to inform our patients of what to expect following root canal treatment.  When a tooth is in the process of healing, there are many factors to consider.  Every tooth is different, some are more infected than others and some are more difficult to treat.  Therefore, there will be some sensitivity and the tooth will require some time to heal.

It can take up to two weeks to settle completely.  There will be some sensitivity to pressure, in which case we advise to avoid the area.  Sometimes patients experience swelling in the area, either from infection or traumatization.  It is not unusual for a patient to develop more sensitivity or swelling or both in the treated area three to four days following treatment.  This increased sensitivity is considered normal.  Please continue to take your antibiotics, if prescribed, and pain medications as needed, as they will both assist in the healing process.

With lower teeth you may experience a stiff jaw and /or some soreness upon opening and closing.  If this occurs, apply heat and massage the jaw joint area.  The local anesthetic injection is given in the joint area and can sometimes cause stiffness.  It may take up to a month for the jaw to get back to normal.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THERE IS A TEMPORARY FILLING IN PLACE WHICH WILL ONLY LAST FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH. 

A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. Therefore, it is important that you see your dentist to have a permanent restoration placed during the following month.  This is of extreme importance in order to protect your tooth.