Dental and Implantology Center

During the root canal, the tooth is numb from the use of a local anesthetic so you do not feel anything. When the anesthetic wears off, there is usually only minor swelling and tenderness. However, in a small number of cases, about 5%, it can be uncomfortable. Pain killers could be prescribed if needed.

To minimize any discomfort, we recommend the following precautions.

1– If you received a prescription for antibiotics, it is very important that you finish the entire prescription even if the tooth feels better.

2– Try chewing on the other side of your mouth for the next few days. Your tooth may remain sensitive to pressure for up to 8 weeks but it will gradually decrease from week to week.

3– If you experience any severe pain, fill the prescription for the medication with which you were provided.

4- We must remind you that a tooth which has received a root canal becomes dry and brittle and can fracture. This is why all teeth which have been subject to a root canal require a post and crown to prevent it’s loss.

To prevent any discomfort, we recommend the following precautions:

1– The teeth may become sensitive following cementation, but the soreness should gradually disappear. If needed, take anti-inflammatory such as Advil or Aspirin or analgesics such as Tylenol. If the tooth remains sensitive for more than 2 weeks, consult your treating dentist.

2– If your teeth become sensitive when you bite, it may mean that the crown or bridge is too high. You should then return for a minor adjustment.

3– Be sure to maintain a proper dental hygiene. Even though the crown, bridge or veneer cannot form a cavity, the tooth supporting it still can. So keep brushing and flossing.

4– Avoid eating any hard or sticky foods and snacks such as hard candy, caramel or chewing gum.

5– It is possible that the temporary crown falls off. It is very important to call us to cement it back as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the gum could go over the tooth and you might need a minor laser surgery.

6– A tooth with a temporary crown may be sensitive to hot or cold until you receive the final crown. Use a tooth paste like Sensodyne.

This type of restoration is considered to be the most durable since the physical properties of this dental ceramic are very similar to the natural teeth enamel which keep your teeth strong.

I would like to bring to your attention certain recommendations regarding the necessary care and maintenance of your restoration.

1– Do not eat anything for the next hour and do not bite on anything “hard” for the next 24 hours because the cement takes some time to harden completely. Privilege a soft diet such as pasta, fish or eggs.

2– Your teeth and gum may become sensitive following cementation, but the soreness should gradually disappear. If needed, take anti-inflammatory such as Advil or Aspirin or analgesics such as Tylenol. If the tooth or gum remains sensitive for more than 8 weeks, consult your treating dentist.

3– If your teeth become sensitive when you bite, it may mean that the crown or bridge is too high. You should then return for a minor adjustment.

4–Be sure to maintain a proper dental hygiene. Even though the crown, bridge or veneer cannot form a cavity, the tooth supporting it still can. So keep brushing and flossing.

To prevent any discomfort from a new filling, we recommend the following precautions:

1- Avoid eating very hot or very cold food. It is normal for your teeth to be more sensitive to hot and cold for up to 8 weeks.

2- Do not chew on anything hard (first 24 hours) and try eating with the other side of your mouth.

3- In order to « fill » your tooth, we had to prepare a cavity; this irritates the tooth and results in inflammation and tooth sensitivity when the anesthesia wears off. To lessen this discomfort take an anti-inflammatory drug such as Aspirin or Advil or an analgesic such as Tylenol.

4- If you feel any discomfort when you bite down on your teeth it may be that the filling is a little too « high ». Please call us to make an appointment for a quick and painless adjustment without anesthetia.

5- If any pain persists after 2 weeks or if it gets worse, again please call us.

6- If you have received an anesthetia for your lower teeth, be careful not to bite your lip, tongue or cheek.

To prevent any discomfort from an oral surgery, we recommend the following precautions.

1- Bite down on the gauze for 45 minutes and replace it every 15 minutes if necessary. If you run out of gauze and the bleeding persists, you can use a tea bag previously boiled. It is normal to have light bleeding for the first 24 hours.

2- Some pain is normal following a surgery. Take the medicine that was prescribed to you by the dentist. If you did not get a prescription, you can take Advil or Tylenol if necessary. You can also apply a cold compress on your cheek for about 10 minutes, stop for 15 minutes and repeat. The swelling will reach its maximum after 48 hours and it will reduce gradually.

3- You should avoid rinsing your mouth for the first 48 hours. Do not use any commercial mouthwash. After that, you should rinse several times a day with salt and lukewarm water.

4- Avoid eating anything hard and granular such as nuts or ground meat. Also avoid very hot or very cold or spicy food and beverages. Avoid drinking with a straw.

5- For the next 5 days, restrain from smoking and drinking alcohol to prevent any pain and to assure a good recovery. Also avoid eating anything very sweet.

6- Take some rest and stop any excessive activity.