Root Canal Treatment

During a Root Canal Treatment, we clean and disinfect the roots of the tooth and finally seal them with a filling material. Depending on the severity of the infection, this treatment may be completed in two or more sittings.
Some of precautions you need to take during the treatment (between sittings) are:-

• After first sitting, please do not eat anything for the first hour or till the time the effect of anesthesia wears off.
• The tooth undergoing treatment is usually very weak till the time a crown is placed over it. As it can fracture easily during this time, please refrain from eating from that side of the mouth where the tooth is located. Any hard food can potentially fracture and break the tooth.
• After every sitting, we seal the tooth with a temporary filling. To ensure that this filling does not come out, please avoid eating or drinking for one hour after each sitting. Moreover, it is advisable not to feel around your tooth with the tongue.
• Avoid sticky foods as they may cause the temporary filling to come out and expose the tooth undergoing treatment. It is not unusual for a thin layer to wear off in-between appointments. However, if you think the entire filling has come out, please call us and we shall redo it.
• Ensure you take all medication as prescribed, otherwise you may experience pain. In case the pain is unbearable, feel free to call us and we shall suggest you some other medication. At times, the pain is not caused due to the tooth but due to:
  • Tired (Sore) jaw joint from having your mouth open for a prolonged time during sittings.
  • Sore muscle from the injection site.
  • Sore gum from the rubber dam placement.
• Continue brushing and flossing as per your normal routine; brush gently and in the right manner. Feel free to ask us about brushing technique if in doubt.

After your Root Canal Treatment has been completed:-

• Do not bite on the tooth for a few days even after the treatment is completed. Pain during biting may persist for up to two weeks following treatment but will gradually get better over time. This is normal and just a part of the natural healing process.
• We will call you for a follow-up after 4-5 days and if everything is fine, we shall begin the preparation for placing a crown over your tooth. The crown placement will take a total of two sittings.
• After placing a crown over your tooth, the tooth may feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time. Again, it is just a matter of time before you get used to a new tooth.
• Please continue with your regular dental hygiene after the treatment is completed. Remember if proper care is not taken after the treatment, other complications may crop up.