Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dr. Henry Kim
Affectionate Dental Care
Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry
Root Canal Post op:
Endodontic Treatment
(Root Canal Therapy)
Root canal therapy, often
called Endodontic Treatment, takes one or two appointments to complete. A
temporary filling or crown is placed to protect the tooth between appointments.
After each appointment when anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth and
tongue may be numb for several hours. Avoid any chewing until the numbness has
completely worn off. Between appointments, it's common (and not a problem) for a
small portion of your temporary filling to wear away or break off. If the entire
filling falls out, or if a temporary crown comes off, call our dental office so
it can be replaced.
It's normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a root canal
appointment, especially when chewing. To control discomfort, take pain
medication as recommended. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them
for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection
are gone. As the tooth was traumatized due to the treatments, do not try to bite
or chew on that side at all until the tooth heals. Until the placement of the
crown, biting on the tooth is not advised as it may fracture due to tooth being
brittle and weak.
To further reduce pain and swelling, rinse three times a day with warm salt
water; dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, then
rinse-swish-spit.
To protect the tooth and help keep your temporary in place:
- Avoid eating sticky foods
(especially gum)
- Avoid hard foods and hard
substances, such as ice, fingernails and pencils.
- If possible, chew only on the
opposite side of your mouth.
- It's important to continue to
brush and floss normally. Usually, the last step after root canal treatment
is the placement of a permanent crown on the tooth. A crown covers and
protects the tooth from breaking in the future.
If you have persistent or unusual pain, or you have any other questions or
concerns, please call our office.
For the best in smile make over in Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson area of Nevada,
contact our cosmetic dentistry professionals. Schedule your free consultation
today! 702.876.3222
© 2005 Henry Kim DDS |
