Root canal therapy is a two-stage process. Alleviating your pain is our priority, and that happens during the first visit after the removal of your tooth's root. Medicine is then inserted into your tooth before a temporary filling seals it inside. During your second appointment, the temporary filling removal and permanent restoration of your tooth complete the process. Please note that there are additional fees for the permanent restoration of your tooth.
Due to the placement of medication inside your tooth, you may have a disagreeable taste in your mouth after your first visit. It's normal, although we would like to know if you experience this. Call our office at 952-593-9310.
After your first appointment, please avoid chewing on the treated tooth until after your second appointment. Your salmon-colored, temporary filling has a rough texture, and some of it may wash out before your second appointment. As long as the opening in your tooth remains sealed, you're safe.
You may experience some discomfort deep in your jaw for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol), provide relief, especially if taken before you feel any discomfort.
For those who have been prescribed pain medication, start taking it before the anesthetic wears off. And if you're experiencing a lot of discomfort after the procedure, overlap the prescription pain med with one of the over-the-counter pain remedies listed above so that one has taken full effect as the other is wearing off. Here's an example schedule:
- Take Vicodin at 4 p.m.
- Take Advil at 6 p.m.
- Take Vicodin at 8 p.m.
- Take Advil at 10 p.m.
If you have any questions or concerns, call us anytime at 952-593-9310.
If you have received a prescription for an antibiotic to combat infection, be sure to finish all of the medication, even if you start to feel better after a few days.
You will be numb a few hours after your procedure. The injection site may be tender for a couple of days, and bruising is possible, but not likely.
We intentionally adjusted your treated tooth so that it does not contact its opposing tooth when your mouth is closed. If the treated tooth feels high, i.e., is touching the opposing tooth, please contact us immediately for an adjustment.
After-care Instructions for
Root Canals
