Will the tooth
need any special care or additional treatment after endodontic treatment?
You should not chew or bite on the treated
tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist, particularly part of the
tooth has been destroyed by cavity or trauma. The tooth without a crown or
final restoration after root canal treatment is susceptible to leakage and
fracture, so you should see your dentist for a final restoration
as soon as possible. Placing a crown or final restoration is extremely
important to ensure the long-term success of the root canal treatment. Practicing good oral hygiene,
including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings will also help you
to keep the endodontically treated tooth for long time.
Most endodontically treated teeth last as long
as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic
treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may
become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment.
Often when this occurs, redoing the endodontic procedure (retreatment) or
performing the root canal surgery (apicoectomy) can save the tooth.