- Endodontic treatment can take 1, 2, or 3 appointments depending on each case. It is possible to experience any of the following symptoms after anyone of these appointments: sensitivity to hot and/or cold; sensitivity to pressure; swelling.
- It is difficult to predict which symptoms, if any, you may experience afterwards and to what extent. In 95% of the cases afterwards, there is only minor inflammation and tenderness at the base of the tooth, but in 5% of the cases it can be extremely uncomfortable. That is why we usually give you a prescription for a strong pain medication. Remember to take your chosen over-the-counter pain medication, as discussed. If there is still a slight bit of discomfort after using the over-the-counter medication, have the perscription filled and use it as needed and as directed.
- If you experience swelling call our office; it may be necessary to prescribe an antibiotic for you. If you were given a prescription for antibiotics, you must take them as directed and until they are all gone so that the infection won't take over, even if the area and tooth feels fine. Remember, when you don't finish a prescription for antibiotics, you risk the chance of reinfection.
- A temporary filling will be used to seal the tooth between visits. Be gentle on the tooth while eating until the final restoration is placed. Chewing should be done on the side of the mouth opposite the treatment area.
- During endodontic treatment, the nerve, blood vessels and nutient supply to the tooth are removed. This will cause the tooth to become brittle and prone to fracture. In many cases, a full coverage crown may be recommended to prevent this from happening.
A root canal is not a black and white cure. It is a therapy with a high success rate. Sometimes the infection never clears up and the tooth has to be either: I) retreated; 2) treated with a retrofill ( a retrofill is when we lay the gum tissue back, currette out the infection and place a silver filling at the bottom of the root); or 3) extract the tooth. The success or failure of a root canal can also result from causes that are not under our control, such as, the anatomy of the tooth and/or the canal, or the patient's own immune system. Therfore, we have available a
limited warranty for all our root canals. Just ask anyone in the office for more details.
QUESTIONS - CONCERNS OR IF ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED CALL:
(630) 769-1922
Dr. Bernie Reusz 5010 Fairview Ave. Ste. #4 Downers Grove, IL 60515
[email protected]