After Completion of Endodontic Treatment

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. A follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment. A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. Included in your treatment is a follow-up examination to evaluate the progress of healing. This appointment will require only a few minutes and no additional fee will be charged for the first check-up visit. Our office will contact you in 12 months to schedule this appointment. 

Your tooth is more prone to fracture immediately after endodontic treatment. You should chew on the other side until your restorative dentist has placed a core build-up and a protective restoration, usually a crown. If your tooth’s strength is seriously compromised, your endodontist or restorative dentist may place a post and core build-up inside the tooth. Your restorative dentist and endodontist will determine the appropriate restoration to best protect your tooth.

Home Care & Post-Operative Instructions

Root canal therapy is performed in single or multiple appointments based on your specific case. If an infection is present, Dr. Thiessen may place a medication inside the root canal system. You will then return to complete the root canal treatment at a later date. There is no additional fee for multiple appointments. When your root canal has been completed, a temporary restoration will be placed in your tooth. You will need to return to your general dentist to have a permanent filling placed and typically a crown. THIS IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUCCESS RATE OF YOUR ROOT CANAL. Please contact your general dentist to make the proper appointments.

At the completion of your treatment, our office will schedule you a 12 month follow up exam to evaluate the progress of your healing. This appointment is provided free of charge.

The combination of endodontic treatment and the previous condition of your tooth may leave your tooth and surrounding gum tissue slightly tender for several days after endodontic treatment. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. It is common for discomfort to arise two to three days after treatment, and it may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.

In a few select cases, pain may be moderate to severe and sometimes swelling may occur. Under these circumstances Dr. Thiessen may prescribe a narcotic and/or antibiotic. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions about your healing. 

Are There Any Potential Problems After Treatment?

  • Lower teeth and nerve injury. There is a slight possibility that nerve injury can occur during root canal surgery to the lower posterior teeth. Your endodontist is trained to assess this possibility prior to treatment and will advise you accordingly. For lower posterior teeth, the root tips may be near a nerve that supplies feeling to the lip, chin and gums. Your endodontist is trained to design your surgery to minimize the chances of damaging this nerve. Rarely, this nerve can become irritated during the process of surgery. In these cases, when the local anesthesia wears off, you may experience tingling, altered sensation or, in rare cases a complete lack of feeling in the affected tissues. Should this occur, it is usually temporary and will resolve over a period of days, weeks or months. In rare cases, these changes can be permanent and/or painful.
  • Upper teeth and sinus communication. The upper teeth are situated near your sinuses, and root canal surgery can result in a communication between your mouth and the adjacent sinus. Should this complication occur, it will usually heal spontaneously. We will give you special instructions if this is apparent at the time of surgery. We prefer that you don’t blow your nose for two to three days after surgery. If you have to sneeze, you should sneeze with an open mouth into a tissue. You should not create any pressure in the sinus area. If you sense a complication after surgery, please contact us immediately.
  • Post-operative infections. Post-operative infections occasionally occur. This usually requires just an office visit and examination. Many times placing you on an antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection Occasionally, other follow-up procedures will be needed.

Opening to Sinus

Air Communication From Sinus

Sinus Communication Corrected

If you have any questions, please call our office at Wausau Office Phone Number 715-298-9271