After Completion of Endodontic Treatment FAQ

What should I expect after my endodontic treatment?

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. A follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please contact your restorative dentist for an appointment. A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. Your doctor will determine whether your tooth will need to be periodically re-evaluated following treatment completion.

Are there any potential problems after treatment?

  • Lower teeth and nerve injury. There is a negligible risk that nerve injury can occur during root canal surgery to the lower posterior teeth. Drs. Garala, Hanzon, Ansari and Liu are trained to assess this possibility prior to treatment and will advise you accordingly. For lower posterior teeth, the root tips may be near a nerve that supplies feeling to the lip, chin and gums. Your endodontist is trained to design your surgery to minimize the chances of damaging this nerve. Rarely, this nerve can become irritated during the process of surgery. In these cases, when the local anesthesia wears off, you may experience tingling, altered sensation or, in rare cases a complete lack of feeling in the affected tissues. Should this occur, it is usually temporary and will resolve over a period of days, weeks or months. In rare cases, these changes can be permanent and/or painful.
  • Upper teeth and sinus communication. The upper teeth are situated near your sinuses, and root canal surgery can result in a communication between your mouth and the adjacent sinus. Should this complication occur, it will usually heal spontaneously. We will give you special instructions if this is apparent at the time of surgery. We prefer that you don’t blow your nose for two to three days after surgery. If you have to sneeze, you should sneeze with an open mouth into a tissue. You should not create any pressure in the sinus area. If you sense a complication after surgery, please contact us.
  • Post-operative infections. Post-operative infections occasionally occur. This usually requires just an office visit and examination. Many times placing you on an antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection Occasionally, other follow-up procedures will be needed.
An example of opening to the sinus
Opening to Sinus
An example of air communication from the sinus
Air Communication From Sinus
An example of sinus communication corrected
Sinus Communication Corrected

If you have any questions, please call our office at Houston Office Phone Number 713-795-0208