Mid Treatment
Root canal therapy often takes one to two appointments to complete. A temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth between appointments.
After each appointment, when anaesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth and tongue may feel numb for several hours.
Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.
Between appointments, it is common (and not a problem) for a small portion of your temporary filling to wear away or break off.
If the entire filling falls out, or if a temporary crown comes off, call us so that it can be replaced. It is normal to experience mild discomfort for a few days after a root canal appointment, especially when chewing.
To control discomfort, take pain-relieving medication as recommended. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them as prescribed, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.
You must complete a course of antibiotics as advised.
To protect the tooth and help keep your temporary in place, avoid eating sticky foods (especially chewing gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew more on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to continue to brush the area normally.