Your Treatment in Our Office Has Been Completed

YOUR TREATMENT IN OUR OFFICE HAS BEEN COMPLETED

Bruce R. Terry D.M.D.

Susan Silberg D.M.D.

Wayne: 610-995-0109 Phoenixville: 610-917-9984

The purpose of your appointment today was to remove infection from inside and around the roots of your tooth. You probably received a local anesthetic (Novacaine has been replaced with Lidocaine), and this may bruise the surrounding gum tissue. Although there are no nerves remaining in your tooth, root canal treatment can leave the bone and gum tissue irritated in the area that was treated. The tooth hurts when it is touched or pushed upon because the nerves in the surrounding bone and gum are extremely irritated.

In most cases the Lidocaine will wear off in 2-3 hours. Some of you will get longer acting Lidocaine. If so, the doctor will explain this to you. Try to avoid any chewing until the numbness wears off. Chew lightly for the first few days. Your tooth can withstand normal chewing by the second day following treatment. If the tooth is sore to the touch try to avoid it for a few more days.

Today your root canal treatment was completed. Because our office only specializes in root canal treatment you will need to see your dentist for a permanent filling or crown within the next few weeks. We will send a report back to your dentist within 3 to 5 days. Please contact your dentist for an appointment. Explain to the office that you have had your root canal treatment completed and you have been advised to return for a permanent restoration. You and your dentist will decide what is best for your tooth.

WHAT TO EXPECT

•  The tooth may be sore to bite and chew for up to three days.

•  Your gum may be sore where the injection was given.

•  You may be prescribed medication for infection, inflammation or pain.

•  You may be told to rinse with warm salt water or an antimicrobial rinse.

•  You may be referred to another specialists or your general dentist for other treatment.

•  You will need to return to your general dentist for the permanent restoration at your earliest opportunity.

•  Make every effort to return to your dentist within one month of the completion of treatment in our office.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL OUR OFFICE

•  If you develop swelling or bleeding.

•  If your pain gets worse rather than better after a few days.

•  If the tooth hurts to bite down after a few days.

•  If the medication makes you sick or causes an allergic reaction.

•  If the temporary filling falls out.

•  If the tooth cracks or a piece of tooth or temporary material falls out.

To contact our office after hours please dial 610-995-0109. If you need to page one of the doctors select option 2, then when asked leave your name, phone number and message. If the doctor does not call in 30 minutes repeat the process again.