Post-Operative Care Tips

Patient is seeing Dr. Sara for a recall visit

Pain Management

Allow yourself some rest following the root canal procedure. It is normal to feel discomfort after a root canal especially associated with biting. This may last between 7 and 21 days but gradually diminish over time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce any pain or sensitivity.

Avoid Chewing on the Treated Tooth

A temporary filling will be placed in your tooth. Avoid eating hard and sticky foods, flossing of the area and chewing on the tooth until the permanent filling is placed.

Placement of the Crown

Make sure to return to your dentist within 1 to 3 week time frame to have the permanent filling placed. Delay in placing the permanent restoration can cause the root canal to fail or contribute to you breaking the tooth. The removal of nerve tissue from your tooth will prevent sensitivity to hot and cold. This does not protect the tooth against further cavities.

Post-treatment Diseases and Recall Visits

While the success rate of root canals in 10 year studies is very high, it is important to note that a small percentage, around 3-5% of root canals, may encounter complications in the future. These issues could include the persistence of infection, or breakdown of the tooth’s restoration over time.

To ensure early detection of any potential problems, it is vital for patients to schedule a recall visit with us approximately one year after the root canal procedure or follow up with your referring dentist to confirm that the healing process is progressing as expected.

Conclusion

It’s important to carefully follow all post-operative instructions and maintain good oral hygiene practices to minimize the risk of any complications. If you have any post-operative concerns or are considering a root canal, please contact us to arrange an appointment.

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