What to Expect Following Your Root Canal Procedure
Please remember to contact your dentist to schedule your permanent filling or crown.
Avoid chewing on the tooth until your regular dentist places a permanent filling or crown. A root canal treats pain and infection, but does not strengthen a tooth.
If your bite feels high, or you cannot close your mouth without pain, please let us know so that your bite can be adjusted.
Many times patients will notice that part of their temporary filling wears away. Although this can feel like a hole or divot, it is normal. It is very rare for a temporary filling to completely fall out.
Brush and floss your tooth, but with a gentle manner. Electric toothbrushes can increase the tenderness of the tooth in the short term.
Most patients experience mild discomfort following a root canal. The discomfort can be felt in the tooth, the jaw, the joint, and /or the gum tissue. If needed, we recommend alternating 600mg of Ibuprofen with 650mg of Tylenol every three hours. If you have been advised to avoid these medications for any reason, please call the office at (563) 583-1050 to discuss alternatives.
About 5% of the time the pain following a root canal is more significant. If you notice swelling and/or pain that you cannot control, please call the office at (563) 583-1050.