By saving your tooth with root canal treatment, you have made a significant step towards better oral health!
Please refer to the following instructions to continue to preserve the health of your tooth.
Following your Root Canal:
- Do not eat anything or drink hot beverages until the numbness in your mouth wears off.
- Be careful chewing on your tooth until it has been restored with a crown.
- Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
- Contact our office if your bite feels uneven, there is a visible swelling inside or outside of your mouth, or you are having an allergic reaction to medication.
Continued Care of Your Tooth
Root canal treatment is only one step in returning your tooth to full function: proper final restoration of the tooth (crown) is extremely important in ensuring long-term success.
The tooth that has had appropriate root canal treatment followed by a proper restoration can last as long as your other natural teeth. After the tooth has been restored, make sure to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, regular dental examinations and preventative cleanings. We may periodically take a radiograph of the tooth to ensure that healing has occurred.
Reminders:
The root canal system inside your tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, and the irritated tissue and bacteria that have caused you to need root canal treatment are gone.
It is normal to feel some tenderness in the area over the next few days as your body undergoes the natural healing process. You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time. These symptoms are temporary and usually respond very well to over-the-counter pain medications.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment has been completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, contact our office at 757-340-8805.
