After Treatment

Your 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. Call your restorative dentist ASAP for an appointment. A normal time frame to wait in between appointments is 1-2 weeks. A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist along with x-rays.

Some cases warrant 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 visit. 

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.

A doctor is available for consultation at all times should a problem arise after your treatment.

After CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Rest: Complete rest for the first couple of hours will ensure early, comfortable, and complete healing.

Comfort: Abstain from eating until all the numbness has disappeared. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medicine should be taken as directed. It is important that you follow the medication schedule that has been prescribed for you. Discontinue medication and contact the office at the first sign of nausea/vomiting/diarrhea or any other untoward effect.

Antibiotics: If antibiotics were prescribed, it is important to finish the entire course. Discontinue the medication and contact the doctor at the first sign of nausea/vomiting/diarrhea or any other untoward effect.

Pain Management: If you do not have any health limitations, we recommend taking 400mg-600mg of Ibuprofen/Advil every 4-6 hours for the first two days. (These anti-inflammatory medications will aid in the relief of soreness following treatment.)

Hygiene: Continue normal hygiene; however, take special care of the treated tooth when brushing. Flossing around the tooth should be avoided until your general dentist completes the restoration or unless instructed otherwise.

Function: DO NOT CHEW on the treated tooth until your general dentist restores it. The tooth is susceptible to fracture if used during this period. You may risk the loss of the tooth if it fractures.

Follow Up: Once your root canal is complete, please schedule with your dentist to permanently restore the tooth.

Covid-19 ALERT

Please inform us if you develop any symptoms in the next 14 days at

Zerella Endodontics Phone Number (203) 553-9700 or [email protected]

SAMPLE MEDICATION TIMELINE

 1PM    Ibuprofen/Advil (400-600mg)

4PM    One Tylenol OR Pain Med

7PM     Ibuprofen/Advil (400-600mg)

10PM    One Tylenol OR Pain Med