We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. If treatment is needed, we will inject a small amount of anesthesia to gently numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours.

You may experience some discomfort for 3-7 days, although temperature sensitivity should be gone.  If you clench or grind your teeth, discomfort may linger. 600 mg Ibuprofen, or Advil every 6 hours, for the inital 24 hours, is advised unless medically contra-indicated.  Please contact us immediately if swelling occurs.

Temporary filling material has been placed in the biting surface of your treated tooth.  It is very important to return to your dentist's office within 30 days to replace this filling with something more permanent.  If the tooth is not restored, re-infection of the root canal can occur and retreatment may be needed for which the patient will be responsible.  In most cases a crown will be needed to permanently restore the tooth.  This restorative decision is up to your referring dentist.

We will be sending you a postcard in approx six months asking you to call for an appointment.  The visit is to check the tooth clinically and radiographically for healing.  This visit is free of charge to you and will take about 15 minutes.

Not all teeth that require root canal treatment "hurt" or become painful and should not be an indicator to decide if you should proceed with treatment.  It is likely, if left untreated, your tooth may fail and require an extraction.  Other potential consequences if you do not proceed with treatment when indicated are: bone loss/descruction as a result of an abcess surrounding the tooth, or you may increase your risk of systemic ( affecting the whole body) infection if bacterial agents are present and not treated.