“Is it okay to wait to start a root canal procedure?”
I had an abscessed tooth that has drained on its own (and the nerve is dead). I had the endodontic consult today. I'm starting on antibiotics but won't have the root canal appointment for three weeks. Is this okay?
Female | 39 years old
9 Answers
Yes, it's ok. I prefer to have the procedure done performed while the patient is still on the antibiotics but if that's not possible then do it as soon as you can.
Yes
Sometime the Antibiotics can buy you the time and keep the infection under control but sometimes the effect does not last that long and might need sooner intervention.
Sometime the Antibiotics can buy you the time and keep the infection under control but sometimes the effect does not last that long and might need sooner intervention.
Not a good idea. Waiting to have one of your damaged teeth treated can result in ultimately losing the tooth. Root canals are performed as a last resort treatment option, a necessary procedure to ensure that your tooth is saved vs. extracted.
Ideally the root canal is performed promptly to eliminate the bacteria that is causing the infection. However, follow the guidance of your dentist.
As long as you have the root canal performed and you have started antibiotic therapy, you should be ok to wait the 3 weeks. If the tooth becomes, re-abscessed, seek dental treatment immediately.
Three weeks is ok to wait as you are starting antibiotics and this usually will keep the abscess under control for several weeks.
It is always best to follow what is recommended by your dentist. In some cases, it is first necessary to complete a regimen of antibiotics prior to going in for the actual root canal procedure. This allows time for the antibiotics to take maximum effect and minimize the abscess as much as possible before the appointment. This can help with discomfort as well as help with the effectiveness of the local anesthetic during the procedure.
As long as the abscess is draining on its own, and you are taking antibiotics, then it is okay to wait until your dental appointment becomes available.
Good morning, sorry to hear of the issue. Is it okay to wait? In this case, yes. I am assuming that the endodontist's schedule is such that they are getting you in a soon as their schedule permits. Please be sure to keep this appointment though.
