WILL THE TREATMENT BE PAINFUL?
We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. If treatment is needed, we will use a topical jelly to anesthetize the gum tissue prior to the injection. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours.
WILL I NEED TO RETURN TO YOUR OFFICE AFTER THE PROCEDURE IS FINISHED?
Yes, for most root canal treatments, we recommend that patients return to the office 1 year after the procedure was finished. Our office will send a reminder notice to you when you are due for a recall appointment.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN THE MIDDLE OF TREATMENT?
Though you may not have experienced symptoms before treatment, you may have tenderness now. It is probable that your tooth will be sore for a day or two. This is due to the previous condition of your tooth and the manipulation within the tooth during treatment. This is a normal reaction and not a cause for alarm.
Your temporary filling is a soft putty material. Occasionally the top layer may wear away in between your endodontic appointments. It may feel like an indentation or a hole but there are many layers of the temporary filling and the medication in your tooth should still be sealed off for the couple of weeks.
Medications to be taken for discomfort and/or infection will be prescribed and discussed with you by Dr. Stockhausen. Discomfort following visits does not affect the successful outcome of treatment.
Until treatment is completed, it is recommended that you NOT use the tooth for chewing. Breakage of the temporary filling or tooth could result.
If you should experience increasing tenderness, and/or swelling, have any concerns or other problems during treatment; do not hesitate to call us.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT IS COMPLETED?
Endodontic Treatment has been completed. The canals have been sealed and healing can now proceed.
The tooth may be tender for several days. There can be inflammation around the root that can continue to cause pain even though the nerve has been removed. You may also be sore from having your mouth open for a prolonged period of time, sore from the injection site or from the clamp and drape that were placed over your tooth during the procedure. As long as your tooth is gradually improving, give it time. Please take the medications as prescribed to counteract the pain.
If swelling occurs, the pain increases or persists longer than you feel it should, or if the pain is not responding to the medication please contact our office.
You will need a final restoration to strengthen and protect the tooth. Our office staff will schedule an appointment for you with your general dentist. Most teeth which have had endodontic treatment will require a crown to protect them from breakage. The final restoration is very important since the temporary filling will only seal your tooth for a limited time.
Until treatment is completed by your general dentist, it is recommended that you NOT use the tooth for chewing. Breakage of the temporary filling or tooth could result.
A reevaluation appointment is necessary to determine if your tooth has responded to treatment. This normally occurs one year after your treatment. There is no additional charge for this visit.