After Completion of Endodontic Treatment FAQ

What should I expect after my endodontic treatment?

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface may be sealed with a temporary restoration. A follow-up appointment with your dentist may be necessary to place the final restoration, usually a crown, to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment. A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist.

Your dentist and endodontist will determine the appropriate restoration to best protect your tooth.

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. Dr. Castleman is 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. Dr. Castleman 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. To aid in healing, avoid blowing your nose for two to three days after treatment. 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, please contact us.

Opening to Sinus

Air Communication From Sinus

Sinus Communication Corrected

If you have any questions, please call our office at Advanced Endodontics of Greater Springfield Phone Number (417) 877-9333