After Completion of Endodontic Treatment FAQ
What should I expect after my endodontic treatment?
Your endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed; however, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. A follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay, by your general dentist.
Following the completion of your root canal, please telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment within two to four weeks, unless otherwise informed by our doctors.
A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. Our doctors feel that an open communication regarding mutual patients is crucial to delivering excellence in comprehensive patient care. We will be in close contact with your general dentist, in order to provide you with the most comprehensive endodontic care.
Included in your treatment is a follow-up examination to evaluate the progress of healing. This appointment will require only a few minutes, and there is no additional fee. We will contact you via email or mail in six months of the completion of your treatment to schedule the appointment.
Are there any potential problems after treatment?
- Lower teeth and nerve injury. There is a slight possibility that nerve injury can occur during root canal surgery to the lower posterior teeth. Dr. Waters and Dr. Griswold are trained to assess this possibility prior to treatment and will advise you accordingly. For lower posterior teeth, the root tips may be near a nerve that supplies feeling to the lip, chin and gums. Your endodontist is trained to design your surgery to minimize the chances of damaging this nerve. Rarely, this nerve can become irritated during the process of surgery. In these cases, when the local anesthesia wears off, you may experience tingling, altered sensation or, in rare cases a complete lack of feeling in the affected tissues. Should this occur, it is usually temporary and will resolve over a period of days, weeks or months. In rare cases, these changes can be permanent and/or painful.
- Upper teeth and sinus communication. The upper teeth are situated near your sinuses, and root canal surgery can result in a communication between your mouth and the adjacent sinus. Should this complication occur, it will usually heal spontaneously. We will give you special instructions if this is apparent at the time of surgery. We prefer that you don’t blow your nose for two to three days after surgery. If you have to sneeze, you should sneeze with an open mouth into a tissue. You should not create any pressure in the sinus area. If you sense a complication after surgery, please contact us.
- Post-operative infections. Post-operative infections occasionally occur. Many times placing you on an antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection. Occasionally, other follow-up procedures will be needed.
Opening to Sinus
Air Communication From Sinus
Sinus Communication Corrected
If you have any questions, please call our office at Decatur Office Phone Number 678-990-8034