Root Canal Treatments
Root canal treatments vary on a case-to-case basis. Many times the treatment will be completed in one visit, but in some cases, the procedure may require multiple visits.
We recommend that you do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until the final restoration has been placed. We relate a root canal-treated tooth to an arm or leg getting out of a cast. It takes time for the tooth to fully recover.
Postoperative pain often occurs 2 to 3 days after a root canal is performed but may last longer in some cases. Take medications of pain as directed.
Problems that require root canal treatment do not occur overnight, so it is important to understand that you may not experience overnight relief. If the pain has not begun to dissipate after a week, please call the office.
You may brush and floss the area. If a temporary crown has been placed, care should be taken when flossing, so the crown is not removed. Please keep in mind, an extensive procedure was performed inside the tooth to remove the nerve, and you should expect some sensitivity in the area when performing otherwise normal functions like brushing, flossing or chewing.
Most often the tooth canal procedure is not the final step in restoring the tooth to proper function. A crown procedure may be done during the same visit or may be required during a following visit.