After Completion of Endodontic Treatment
After your treatment is complete at Meridian Endodontics, the healing begins. Our doctor has permanently sealed the root canal system. However, you aren't finished yet. You still need to see a restoration specialist to place a crown to protect the tooth. This essential procedure protects the tooth from fracture and decay. We'll send your dentist a complete report of your treatment to guide them.
During the time between appointments, it's vital to be careful with your uncrowned tooth. It's more prone to fracture after the treatment, and a second procedure might not be available to save the tooth again. Until you have the crown, chew on the other side of your mouth. Continue to use good hygiene practices to prevent further decay.
Are There Any Potential Problems After Treatment?
Yes, although we do our best to save the tooth, complications can arise.
- Lower teeth and nerve injury. A small percentage of patients with a lower posterior tooth root canal develop a nerve injury during the root canal procedure. The root in these teeth is close to the nerve responsible for feeling in the lip, chin, and gums. Although it's rare, the nerve sometimes becomes inflamed during the procedure. After the local anesthetic wears off, patients can experience a tingling, altered sensation, and in a small number of people, lack of feeling in the affected area. This complication is temporary and resolves on its own in a few days, weeks, or months. However, a few patients might have permanent damage to the nerve.
- Upper teeth and sinus communication. Similar to how the lower teeth are near the nerve endings, the upper set is very close to the sinus cavity. Therefore, root canal surgery can lead to a communication error in the sinuses. However, the good thing is this complication can resolve on its own. If it occurs during your endodontics treatment, the office will advise you on proceeding until it's back to normal. For example, we'll ask you to avoid blowing your nose for two to three days after the procedure. Additionally, if you need to sneeze, do it with your mouth open into a tissue. Keeping your mouth closed will create sinus pressure. Patients experiencing problems following their treatment should contact the office.
- Post-operative infections. A post-operative infection can sometimes occur following a root canal. If you develop signs of an infection, contact our office for follow-up care. First, you'll need to come in for an appointment with the doctor. Most patients are given a course of antibiotics for a week to clear up the infection. Sometimes, further care is necessary.
For questions about your after-treatment care, please contact or Meridian Endodontics office at 317-846-4980.
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