Root Canal Therapy

Teeth, just as any other part of your body, can become infected. The infection usually is caused by (1) a deep cavity, or (2) traumatic injury to the tooth.

A root canal treatment will save your tooth and avoid the harmful effects of tooth loss. Root canal therapy is usually done in two appointments. The abscessed area at the root canal (under the gum) will start to heal slowly and may require several months for complete healing. We will want to check the healing process by comparing x-rays taken at a later date with the original x-rays.

Things to expect after treatment:

• Once numbness has worn off, you are able to eat and drink normally.
• The healing process may take a few days and any minor discomfort will subside gradually. It most ofter feels bruised. You may experience moderate sensitivity to pressure. Your tissue near the treated tooth may feel sore for a few days after treatment.
• Take any medications that we have prescribed for you according to instructions.
• Floss and brush your new filling as you normally would.

Notify our office if any of the following occurs:

• Swelling in the gum around the tooth being treated develops.
• Temperature about 101 F develops.
• The tooth feels as if it’s “coming out of the socket.”
• The tooth becomes loose.
• Pain develops which cannot be controlled by simple remedies such as Aspirin, Tylenol, or Ibuprofen.

Please call the office if you have concerns not mentioned above.