Post Endodontic Treatment

Home-care Instructions

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.You can brush your teeth normally.It is preferable to avoid chewing on the side of the root canal treatment for a while.

The replacement of the temporary filling material has to be done within 10-15 days after the completion of the root canal therapy, regardless the mild sensitivity that might exists. Under no circumstances should the temporary filling material be removed and the treated tooth​’​s chamber exposed into the oral cavity.

It is normal and possible to experience mild pain or discomfort after the root canal treatment as well as a bit pain during chewing. If it​’​s tolerable you may avoid taking any painkillers.

It is also possible to feel a mild sensitivity at the gums surrounding the treated tooth due to the placement of the rubber dum. This will disappear faster if you brush your teeth properly.

Sometimes you may feel sensitivity at the area where the local anaesthesia was applied.

If the above mentioned symptoms are heavy you may take a painkiller or a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (eg. Niflamol, Brufen, Algofren, Voltaren, Xefo, Ponstan, Mesulid, Depon, Panadol) depending on the characteristics of the pain as well as on your medical history. We will help you on deciding which drug is more suitable for you.

In very few cases, when the responsible bacteria are very resistant, it is possible to experience swelling at the treated area after the commencement of the root canal treatment. In this cases antibiotics are indicated and we will give you detailed instructions. It is necessary for you to let us know about any allergies you may have besides the thorough questioning during recording your medical history.

After a root canal treatment is completed, the permanent filling, or an intra-canal post must be placed and then a full-coverage crown on top in order to protect the tooth from fractures.

In very few cases, even when the root canal treatment is conducted under all rules and principles of contemporary and modern Endodontics, the inflammation may persists. This is caused by bacteria which have penetrated very deep into the dentine. In such cases, apiecectomy may be the treatment choice.

The vast majority of the patients feel no pain at all after the root canal treatment is completed but even if you feel pain there is absolutely no reason to worry.The pain is easily controlled with painkillers and lasts no more 1-3 days.

The prognosis of your treated tooth does not depend on the pain you may feel during the first few days.

NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately. The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.

If you have any questions, please call our office at +30 210 9681161.