What Can I Expect After an Endodontic Procedure?

There are many different tests that endodontists can use to test a tooth, but there are some methods that are more commonly used and can lead to the best diagnosis in patients. Your endodontist will go over what is medically known as your chief complaint (the symptom that has caused you to be concerned). They will also go over the history of your chief complaint, such as how long the discomfort has been happening if you have noticed any swelling or irritation to the area, if you have noticed an increase in tooth sensitivity, if the pain is spontaneous, only happening in certain situations, or if it is chronic pain that is there all day. This will be followed by tests that are done for diagnosis. These tests are imaging tests like x-rays or 3D tooth images, pulp testing that reviews if the pulp is potentially inflamed or infected, and assessing if there is any reaction to hot or cold temperatures. They may also perform periapical tests, which are assessments of the bite, involving palpation of the area to determine how far any potential infection has spread from the offending tooth causing the pain. They will also do a visual examination, which looks for any indications of infections if you are experiencing a change in your bite (misalignment), or any facial symmetry changes.

An endodontist can do many treatments like root canals, endodontic surgeries, or dental implants, all of which have different healing times. It is important to discuss this with your endodontist before your treatment, as they will be able to give you the timeline you should expect to see healing begin and finish.

Since endodontic procedures all involve local anesthetic in the mouth, it is important to avoid certain things as they can potentially cause harm to you or discourage the healing process. It is important to avoid eating anything that involves chewing or hot liquids after you have left your appointment, as there is a risk of potentially injuring the treatment site, so it is best to wait to eat until after the anesthetic has worn off and avoid putting any pressure (chewing) on the tooth that has been treated. You should also avoid foods that are spicy or acidic, as this can injure the treatment site and cause more pain in the area, so foods like lemons or oranges should be avoided in the weeks after your treatment. You also should not smoke, since cigarette smoke can interfere with the healing process or potentially cause infection.

It is okay, however, to take Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil, Mortin (ibuprofen), or Aleve (naproxen) after your treatment if you are feeling discomfort after the anesthetic has worn off.

You will be instructed to take special care of the tooth that has received the root canal in the weeks following your procedure. You will also have follow-up appointments after your root canal so your endodontist can see how the area is healing. After your endodontist has advised you that the area has been fully healed, you will be booked in for another appointment where the final crown will be added to the tooth. It is important to remember that the filling or crown used during your root canal is only a temporary crown, and if you do not have the proper crown added after healing, you risk the potential of breaking or damaging the temporary crown or filling.

You should be aware of the fact that after your root canal, your jaw and mouth may have a dull, aching type of pain, and this is normal, but for other pains, should you experience them, you should book an appointment immediately. These pains include severe pain lasting more than a few days with visible swelling inside or outside of the mouth, if the temporary crown or filling has moved out of the tooth, or if the pain you were experiencing before your root canal has returned.

You should also be aware of how you eat following your procedure, and avoid chewing on the tooth that has had the root canal until the final crown has been placed. You should also avoid chewing sticky foods like caramel that could spread between teeth and potentially dislodge your temporary crown or filling, even if you are not chewing directly on the tooth.

At Ace Endodontics, our goal is to ensure your complete satisfaction and comfort throughout your treatment journey. After your procedure, you’ll be equipped with all the necessary advice and support for a swift and smooth recovery. Trust in the expertise of Dr. Afshin Badii, DDS, and our skilled team to guide you back to optimal oral health. Let us help you smile brighter and with confidence once more. We are conveniently located at 11980 San Vicente Blvd Ste 900 Los Angeles, CA 90049. For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Brentwood CA, Santa Monica CA, West Los Angeles CA, Beverly Hills CA, West Hollywood CA, Venice CA, Culver City CA, and surrounding areas.