After endodontic treatment, please do not chew on the tooth until it has been restored by your general dentist. Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be quite tender for several days as a result of treatment procedures and/or the condition with which you came to the office.
Before the numbness wears off, take an analgesic such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Rinsing hourly with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. salt in 8 oz. water) may help soothe the gums. Take all medication exactly as prescribed. If you develop an allergic reaction (itching, rash, swelling, hives), stop taking your medication and notify this office and your physician.
After endodontic treatment is completed, it is imperative that you return to your general dentist for a permanent restoration, such as a crown, to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. The temporary filling will usually only last about one month.
If the tooth is not permanently restored, the root canals may become reinfected and endodontic treatment would need to be redone. If the tooth fractures below the gum it may have to be extracted.
After completion of endodontic treatment, your tooth may be sensitive for a few weeks as a result of treatment procedures or any remaining inflammation. You may require analgesics until the tooth feels normal. Should pain become severe or swelling develops, please call our office.