Root Canals
 Root canals often require two or three appointments to complete. A temporary filling or crown is placed to protect the teeth between appointments. After each appointment, when anesthetic has been used, your lips teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours. It is normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a root canal appointment, especially when chewing. Avoid chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.
To control discomfort, take pain medication as recommended. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all the symptoms and signs of infection are gone. To further reduce pain and swelling, rinse three times each day with warm salt water (a tsp of salt in a glass of water, rinse, swish and spit). If your bite feels uneven, if pain persisits or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office.
Between appointments it is common (and not a problem) for a small portion of your temporary filling to wear away or break off. If the entire filling falls out or if the temporary crown comes off, call us so that it can be replaced. To protect the tooth and help keep your temporary in place avoid eating sticky foods (especially gum), hard foods and if possible chew only on the opposite side of your mouth.
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