During root canal treatment, Dr. Hays or Dr. Calkins will carefully remove the pulp inside the tooth while cleaning and disinfecting the root canal spaces. Finally, they will place a filling to seal the internal space. Endodontic treatment has a high success rate and many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime.

Symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal include:

• pain or sensitivity to hot and/or cold
• spontaneous pain
• pain in response to pressure or biting
• dull ache
• sharp shooting pain
• facial swelling

If you have recently had a root canal procedure by Dr. Hays or Dr. Calkins, home care instructions can be found below:

Post-Op Instructions

What should I expect after my root canal?

The following advice is offered to minimize the amount of discomfort or any inconvenience, which may follow an endodontic procedure. These are suggestions, not absolute requirements, for every case. Some of the comments may not apply to your specific situation.

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be sore for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment. As a general rule, if you had pain prior to the treatment then you should expect some pain after treatment. Occasionally two to four days after treatment you may have an increase in pain. This is NORMAL and no cause for alarm.

Do not chew food on the treated tooth until your root canal is completed and your tooth is restored with a permanent restoration. In most cases a temporary restoration will be placed. A permanent restoration, usually a crown, is required within 60 days to prevent leakage and reinfection of the tooth. Chewing on the treated side of the mouth, with only a temporary filling, may result in tooth fracture. Tooth fracture could compromise the ability to save your tooth. If the temporary restoration comes out of the tooth it is not an emergency, simply contact the office and the issue will be addressed. You should continue your regular dental hygiene regimen; be sure to brush the treated area unless otherwise directed.

Tylenol and Ibuprofen are very effective for relief of tooth-related pain. If you have pain that you cannot tolerate, swelling, or fever, please call our office immediately. If your medical history allows it, take 500 mg Tylenol + 400-600 mg Ibuprofen together every 6 hours, as needed. Do not exceed 4000 mg Tylenol or 3,200 mg Ibuprofen in a 24 hour period.

Please do not hesitate to contact the office should you have any questions or concerns (7-4:30 Mon-Thurs). Should you require emergency services after hours, contact Dr. Calkins or Dr. Hays.

Both Dr. Hays and Dr. Calkins have completed additional training in conscious sedation to be able to accommodate patients that may experience dental anxiety, claustrophobia, or are hard to numb.

Nitrous oxide – commonly referred to as “laughing” gas. This is very effective for patients with mild forms of dental anxiety. Nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask and the effects of this gas wear off as soon as the mask is removed. If your endodontist uses nitrous oxide, you will be able to function normally after the appointment, allowing you to drive home and continue your normal daily activities.

Oral Sedation – oral sedation works best for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety. The patient is prescribed a medication, most commonly Halcion (triazolam), which must be brought to the dental appointment. Once monitors are in place, your endodontist will administer the medication approximately 1 hour prior to beginning the dental procedure. The oral medication has an anxiolytic-sedative effect, allowing the patient to relax during the treatment. Patients that receive oral sedation will need a driver that brings them to and from their appointment, and will be unable to drive or return to work for the remainder of the day. Not all patients are candidates for this level of sedation, so please call our office to schedule a consultation!