Endodontic treatment for this tooth has been completed. The canals inside the roots have been cleaned and sealed, and there is a temporary filling in the outer surface of the tooth. PLEASE BE SURE TO SCHEDULE FOR YOUR PERMANENT FILLING OR CROWN. This is very important for the protection of the tooth against fracture or reinfection of the root canal. Although the nerves inside the tooth have been removed, there are still many nerves outside the roots. These nerves have been inflamed and may continue to be sensitive for a short time after the root canal treatment. Avoid chewing with this tooth. Two to four tablets of Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc) taken four times a day for the next 3-4 days usually helps control the sensitivity. Frequent rinsing with warm salt water for the next two days will also help. If the doctor has prescribed other medications, be sure to take as directed. The doctor will try to contact you within 24 hours to see how you are doing. If you ever have any questions concerning your treatment, please feel free to call us. The office phone number is 876-7330. Our doctors are available after hours through our paging service.

Following the first appointment for a crown or bridge procedure, a temporary is usually placed on the tooth or teeth involved. This will protect them while the custom restoration is being made.

Temporary crowns are of a universal size and shade that also serve a cosmetic function for front teeth. Your final restoration will be shaped and shaded better than the temporary to match your other teeth in both color and function.

The use of a temporary cement is for easy removal on your next appointment. If your temporary comes off between appointments, slip it back on and call us for an appointment. Many crowns fit below the gumline. Therefore you may experience some discomfort for a few days due to the irritation of your gums in that area during the procedures. A warm salt water rinse is helpful in relieving the discomfort. Sensitivity to cold or pressure is also possible. If this dose not improve after a few days contact our office for an appointment to adjust your temporary.

After the final cementation of your fixed restoration, it may take a few days to get used to the new crown or bridge. If you feel the bite is not correctly balanced, be sure and call for an appointment for a simple adjustment.

Proper brushing and flossing is recommended to help you retain your final restoration. The only area that a crowned tooth can decay is at the edge of the crown at the gumline.

1. Do not smoke for the next 72 hours.
2. Do not rinse your mouth today. Tomorrow, rinse your mouth gently every 3 to 4 hours (especially after meals) using one-quarter teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Continue rinses for several days.
3. Following extractions, some bleeding is to be expected. If persistent bleeding occurs, place gauze pads over the bleeding area and bite down firmly for one-half hour. Repeat as necessary.
4. If swelling occurs place an ice bag or a cold moist cloth on the area. Your dentist may give you specific instructions on how long and how often to use a cold compress.
5. For mild to average pain, use any non-aspirin type of medication you like.
6. A light diet is advisable during the first 24 hours. Do not drink through a straw for the next three days.
7. When brushing your teeth use only a very small amount of toothpaste so that you will not need to vigorously rinse out your mouth.
8. Small sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing. These are not roots. If it is annoying, return to this office for their simple removal.
9. If any unusual symptoms occur, call the office at once.
10. The proper care following oral surgical procedures will hasten recovery and prevent complications.