Your Root Canal treatment may take one or more visits to complete. During treatment, we will remove the diseased pulp (nerve), then clean, shape and fill the space where the pulp was (the nerve canal of the tooth; which is in the root). The filling material is specially designed for this purpose, to help prevent recontamination of the nerve chamber. Here are some frequently asked questions about "Root Canals."

What should I expect after my root canal?

• Cleaning the root canals may cause inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tooth. You may experience some discomfort for a few days following your procedure.
• Some initial minor swelling may also occur. It is advisable to place an ice bag on the outside of the face that corresponds to the site of the tooth. Alternate 15 minutes on and 10 minutes off for at least two to three hours. If the swelling should linger more than a few days, or increases, call us!

Do I need to take any medications after my root canal?

• Over-the-counter pain relievers usually assist with the discomfort such as Aleve or Ibuprofen. We will advise you as to which medicine to take.
• A prescription pain medication may be given by Dr. Day for severe pain.
• On occasion an antibiotic may be prescribed to help control infection. It is very important that you take antibiotics as directed!

How do I take care of my tooth between root canal appointments?

• A temporary filling will be placed over the entry to the nerve space. Temporary restorations may loosen, call us if there is significant loss of this filling.
• Avoid chewing or biting with excessive force directly on the treated tooth until the root canal is completed.
• Do not ignore daily hygiene. Continue brushing and flossing this tooth, as comfort allows.

How will I know if the root canal is successful?

• Even though the pulp of the tooth was removed, the tooth is still nourished from surrounding tissues. As with any living tissue, treatment is occasionally unsuccessful and retreatment or even tooth removal may be indicated. Retreating the site may occasionally be necessary.