Instructions

Discomfort

Endodontic therapy is basically a painless and anxiety free experience. Procedures are performed using local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation if needed. In most cases you should be able to drive to and from the appointment and to resume work that day.

After treatment, a mild to moderate inflammatory reaction may occur evidenced by tenderness to pressure on the tooth or slight swelling and tenderness in the gum. This is much like you would expect to find after an injury such as a blow to the arm or being sunburned. This may not occur until the second day and generally subsides with no additional treatment within 3 - 5 days. It is important not to chew on the tooth. This will reduce the pain and protect the tooth from fracturing before it can be restored.

Often you will have been advised to take an anti-inflammatory medication before or soon after the endodontic therapy. Also a narcotic medication may have been prescribed to add to the anti-inflammatory in the event of more severe pain. If the symptoms last longer than this or are more severe, do not hesitate to call the office for advice. Antibiotic treatment often is not necessary.