1. Nursing Instruction
  2. Overview
  3. Facial Features
【Major points】
  1. Root canal treatment is commonly known as "having the nerve removed" from a tooth.
  2. Pain and swelling may occur for 3-7 days after treatment; Please take pain medication as prescribed by your dentist.
  3. Avoid chewing hard foods with the affected tooth, as this may cause the tooth to fracture.
  4. After treatment is completed, regular follow-up visits are necessary so the dentist can monitor the condition of the tooth.

What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is performed to treat diseases of the dental pulp and preserve the tooth. Inflamed or necrotic pulp tissue must be removed, followed by shaping and filling of the root canal system to prevent reinfection. This procedure is known as root canal treatment (commonly referred to as “removing the nerve”).
 
When do we need root canal treatment?
  1. Severe tooth pain or gum swelling diagnosed by a dentist as acute pulp disease.
  2. A tooth with a deep cavity that continues to feel uncomfortable or painful two weeks after filling, and is diagnosed by a dentist as pulp disease.
  3. The appearance of a small gum abscess diagnosed as chronic pulp disease.
  4. A tooth without symptoms that requires root canal treatment prior to fabrication of a dental prosthesis, as determined by a dentist.
 
Precautions for root canal treatment

Please inform your dentist in advance if you have any of the following conditions:Drug allergies、Congenital or rheumatic heart disease、Heart valve defects or valve repair history、Hypertension、Diabetes mellitus Immune system disorders、Blood disorders、Hepatitis B、Any infectious disease or condition that may transmit infection to others .

 
Procedures of root canal treatment:
  1. Administration of Local Anesthesia: The dentist will evaluate the condition and administer local anesthesia to the affected tooth if necessary.
  2. Access Opening of the Pulp Chamber: Decayed tissue and old restorations are removed, and the pulp chamber is opened using a dental bur.
  3. Removal of Infected Tissue: Necrotic tissue is removed and the root canals are irrigated to reduce infection sources and bacteria within the tooth.
  4. Placement of Medication and Temporary Filling: After treatment, the dentist temporarily seals the cavity to prevent bacterial contamination.
  5. Root Canal Filling: Once the root canals are confirmed to be clean and free of inflammation, the dentist seals the canals to ensure a proper seal of the root canal system.
  6. Placement of a Crown (Dental Cap): After root canal treatment, a dental crown is usually placed to restore the tooth’s original shape and chewing function, protect the weakened tooth, and prevent fracture from wear.
  7. Use of Specialized Equipment: The dentist will evaluate the condition of the tooth root and may recommend the use of specialized instruments, such as a dental microscope, at additional cost to improve the success rate of treatment.

Post-treatment instructions:
  1. Pain and swelling may occur for 3–7 days after root canal treatment. Please follow your dentist’s instructions and take pain medication as prescribed.
  2. If pain or swelling persists without improvement, contact your dentist to schedule a follow-up appointment.
  3. During and after root canal treatment, avoid chewing hard foods with the affected tooth to prevent tooth fracture.
  4. If the lesion has extended to the periapical area and damaged the alveolar bone, long-term follow-up as advised by your dentist will be necessary.
  5. Maintain proper oral hygiene and dental care.
  6. Attend regular dental follow-up visits to monitor the condition of the tooth.
 
Reference
  1. Duncan, H. F., & El-Karim, I. (2025). Endodontic S3-level clinical practice guidelines: The European Society of Endodontology process and recommendations. British Dental Journal, 238(7), 580–586. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-025-8335-x
  2. Mehta, D., Coleman, A., & Lessani, M. (2025). Success and failure of endodontic treatment: Predictability, complications, challenges and maintenance. British Dental Journal, 238(7), 527–535. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-025-8453-5
  3. Peter, O. A., Rossi-Fedele, G., George, R., Kumar, K., Timmerman, A., & Wright, P. P. (2024). Guidelines for non-surgical root canal treatment. Australian Endodontic Journal, 50(2), 202–214. https://doi.org/10.1111/aej.12848
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    Taipei Veterans General Hospital 
    No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District,  3e72dadb9904d06fa0fb3744e4ed2612.png
    Taipei, Taiwan 11217, R.O.C.
    Tel: +886-2-2871-2121 #04
    • Smoking and chewing betel nut significantly induce oral cancer. Obesity will potentially increase the risk of breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Please control body weight and keep away from tobacco and betel nut.
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