AC – Root canal treatment (RCT)

There are roughly THREE stages in a RCT and you have only just got rid of the majority of the pain by taking the first step, it is not yet complete. If you do not come back for further appointments, the root will get re-infected and YOU WILL HAVE TO RESTART STEP ONE WITH A SEPARATE CHARGE

Note the general sequence of root canal are as follows:

Take the nerves out and put medicine in the canals and/or draining the pus out -> This will get rid of the majority of the pain, you will feel better but the treatment is not yet complete!
Deep cleaning with precise measurements to the ends of the tooth root
Fill the root canal and your crown (the part where you bite on foods) with large white filling (medium term restoration)
Placement of a long term restoration, such as a crown, in 1-2 months time.

Do	Don't
+ Liberally use ice packs on cheek area for the next few days + Take painkillers (details below), especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen and painkillers like paracetamol to reduce expected inflammation and pain + Brush your teeth as normal + Eat and drink as normal as possible after the numbness has worn off + Take the prescribed medicines + Plan and get a long term restoration such as a crown after root canal. (If you don't tooth will easily break with the only option being extraction)	- Bite on hard or sticky foods that may damage your fillings (such as nuts and bones) - Bottle tricks - Eat until the numbness has completely worn off (if you are hungry it is recommended to have liquids instead in this period). - Leave things as is and not finish your root canal (temporary fillings usually do not last for more than 1-2 months)

Don't

+ Liberally use ice packs on cheek area for the next few days
+ Take painkillers (details below), especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen and painkillers like paracetamol to reduce expected inflammation and pain
+ Brush your teeth as normal
+ Eat and drink as normal as possible after the numbness has worn off
+ Take the prescribed medicines
+ Plan and get a long term restoration such as a crown after root canal. (If you don't tooth will easily break with the only option being extraction)

- Bite on hard or sticky foods that may damage your fillings (such as nuts and bones)
- Bottle tricks
- Eat until the numbness has completely worn off (if you are hungry it is recommended to have liquids instead in this period).
- Leave things as is and not finish your root canal (temporary fillings usually do not last for more than 1-2 months)

Expect
Temporary fillings will be placed in your mouth up until the final stage. Between appointments it is common (and not a problem) for a small portion of your temporary filling to wear away or break off Some persistent swelling and soreness around the region for the next 2-3 days before it goes away. The degree of sensation will vary from person to person, some may not feel it at all, and others may mistake it as pain. Prolonged numbness for a few hours due to the local anaesthetic. Lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment.

Expect

Temporary fillings will be placed in your mouth up until the final stage. Between appointments it is common (and not a problem) for a small portion of your temporary filling to wear away or break off

Some persistent swelling and soreness around the region for the next 2-3 days before it goes away. The degree of sensation will vary from person to person, some may not feel it at all, and others may mistake it as pain.

Prolonged numbness for a few hours due to the local anaesthetic. Lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment.

Recommended way to take your painkillers:

Mild pain (niggling sensation, discomfort but a bit annoying):
2x 500mg of Panadol/paracetamol 3-4 times a day
Moderate pain (starting to affect eating, slight sleep disturbances, bearable but uncomfortable)
2x 500mg of Panadol/paracetamol or panadine forte PLUS 2x 200mg Neurofen/ibuprofen 3-4 times a day
Severe: contact us and we will advise you on what to take

Based on the The Oxford League Table of Analgesic Efficacy and the WHO analgesic ladder

We wish you all the best from your recovery! If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent swelling or pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact our office.