Root canal treatment

Today we carried out root canal treatment on your tooth. The tooth may be tender for a few days as the area around the root settles.

What to do

• If you need a painkiller, start it before the numbness wears off (dosage below).
• Chew on the other side until the permanent restoration (filling or crown) is placed.
• Carry on brushing and flossing the area normally.
• Book the appointment for the permanent restoration as soon as we advised.

What to avoid

• Do not bite hard or sticky foods with this tooth while it has a temporary filling.
• If a temporary filling is in place, avoid “working” it with your tongue.
• Do not delay the permanent restoration — a root-treated tooth without a crown or filling can fracture.

Pain & sensitivity

• Mild pain or tenderness on biting for 2–4 days is normal and settles.
• If needed: paracetamol (e.g. Depon) 1000 mg, up to four times a day. If that is not enough, add ibuprofen (Algofren) 600 mg every 8 hours (a safe combination). Do not combine ibuprofen with other anti-inflammatories (e.g. Mesulid, Niflamol).
• If you had swelling or inflammation before treatment, improvement can take a few days.

After the anaesthetic

• Do not eat while you are still numb, so you don’t bite your lip, cheek or tongue.

When to call us

• Pain that gets worse or is not controlled by painkillers.
• Swelling, fever, or a feeling that the tooth “sits high” when you bite.
• If the temporary filling comes out or breaks.