After Completion of Endodontic Treatment
Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. A permanent restoration of the window through which treatment is done is restored with a permanent restoration whenever possible at the time endodontic treatment is completed. However, a temporary restoration will be placed if the existing restoration is compromised or failing. The restorative/referring dentist will need to replace it as soon as possible. The permanent restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. A complete report of treatment provided will be sent to your dentist. They will then contact you to schedule the appropriate appointment for restoration of your tooth.
Your tooth is susceptible to fracture after endodontic treatment. You should chew on the other side until your dentist has placed a protective restoration, usually a crown.
Included in your endodontic 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.
Are There Any Potential Problems After Surgical 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. If you are experiencing persistent numbness, please contact our practice.
- 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 our practice.
- Post-operative infections. Post-operative infections occasionally occur. Many times placing you on an oral antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection Occasionally, other follow-up procedures will be needed. If you feel you are experiencing any unanticipated pain or swelling, please contact our practice.
If you have any questions, please call our office at Edmonton Office Phone Number 780-425-8930