Due to the previous condition of your tooth following endodontic therapy, there will be inflammation in the surrounding tissues for a short period of time. Do not be alarmed if this causes some minor discomfort or soreness for a few days. Aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen should be adequate to keep the inflammation and discomfort under control. Soaking the area with a teaspoon of table salt in a glass of comfortably hot water is helpful. However, 5% of patients experience considerable pain and will need to take prescription medication. These symptoms normally last from 1 to 4 days and usually require no additional treatment. If, however, after 3-4 days your symptoms are not improving or are worsening, please call our office for instructions. On rare occasions, swelling may occur which many times requires further evaluation and sometimes treatment. You should notify our office if this occurs.
You may have been provided with a prescription for moderate discomfort, which may be filled when or if necessary. Always take only as prescribed. The prescription for moderate discomfort is a narcotic and will require certain precautions when taken. Occasionally, it may cause some nausea. To minimize this, it should not be taken on an empty stomach and you should limit activities and movement. Other possible side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, slowed reactions, etc. Therefore, patients must not operate vehicles, machinery or participate in hazardous activities.
If an antibiotic has been prescribed, it is very important to fill the prescription immediately. Antibiotics usually take at least 24 to 48 hours to decrease the symptoms and must be taken as directed until completely gone.
The opening in the tooth through which root canal treatment was done has been sealed with a temporary filling. Avoid chewing in this area until the permanent restoration has been placed as chewing may cause fracture of the tooth and/or loss of the temporary filling. It is important that you see your general dentist after completion of root canal therapy to have the tooth permanently restored. A note and radiograph will be sent to your dentist informing him/her that treatment has been completed at that time.
If you have any questions or problems concerning your treatment, please do not hesitate to call Dr. Andrew Calhoun, your endodontist in Jacksonville, Florida, at 904-296-8884 .
