What to Expect from Endodontic Surgery

This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work. A doctor is available for consultation at all times should a problem arise after your treatment.

Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable.

If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication because of hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis, or if you have rheumatic heart disease, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

If you have any questions, please call our office at Columbia Office Phone Number 803-798-8476

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary or permanent restoration. If temporary restoration then follow-up appointment will be needed with your general dentist for placement of a permanent restoration. A crown may or may not be needed depending on the tooth. Your general dentist will determine the appropriate restoration to best protect your tooth.

PLEASE CALL YOUR RESTORATIVE DENTIST FOR AN APPOINTMENT. A COMPLETE REPORT OF TREATMENT WILL BE SENT TO YOUR GENERAL DENTIST.

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. Drs. Gohean and Desai 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 and may require placing you on an antibiotic and pain medications for a few days.

A follow-up appointment (6 months or a year) may be needed to evaluate healing of root canal infection. This appointment will require only a few minutes and no additional fee will be charged for the visit.

If you have any questions, please call our office at Columbia Office Phone Number 803-798-8476

After Endodontic Treatment

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm.

Do not chew food on the affected side for a few days. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen.

Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.

NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, please contact this office at 803-798-8476.