After Completion of Endodontic Treatment

Endodontic treatment has been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. A permanent restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment. A report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. 

Your tooth is more prone to fracture until the tooth is completely restored. You should chew on the other side until your restorative dentist has placed a core build-up (permanent filling) and a protective restoration, usually a crown. Your endodontist or restorative dentist may place a post and core build-up inside the tooth prior to placing the protective restoration in order to better retain it. Your restorative dentist  will determine the appropriate restoration to best protect your tooth.

Are There Any Potential Problems After root end Surgery?

• Lower teeth and nerve injury. There is a slight possibility that nerve injury can occur during root canal surgery to the lower posterior teeth. Your endodontist is trained to assess this possibility prior to treatment and will advise you accordingly. 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. This usually requires just an office visit and examination. Many times placing you on an antibiotic for a short period of time 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 Jefferson City Office Phone Number 573-298-4400