Instructions

Prior to your visit

Your procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work. A doctor is available for consultation at all times should a problem arise after your treatment.

If you can take ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), it does help reduce inflammation when taken pre-operatively. We recommend 600-800mg of Motrin or 2 tablets of Aleve 2-4 hours before endodontic therapy.

PRETREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable before your appointment.
• Please bring with you any information, forms, or radiographs provided by your general dentist.
• Please continue to take all medications as prescribed by your physician and bring with you a list of all medications you are taking.
• A parent or guardian must accompany all patients under the age of 18.

POST-TREATMENT CARE

Typically after root canal treatment you can expect very minor discomfort that is easily resolved with the analgesic you would normally take for a headache. Many patients report no pain at all. The doctor can prescribe a stronger pain medication if you would desire. On very rare occasions you may experience increased pain or develop swelling. If this occurs please contact our office immediately to determine if a follow-up appointment is necessary or determine if you need additional prescriptions.

After root canal treatment a temporary restoration is placed in the top of your tooth. It covers and protects the root canal filling. If the temporary restoration comes out, or becomes loose, it is not usually painful. However, if it is out or loose for an extended time, it can allow contamination into the tooth and the root canal filling would need to be redone. If your temporary restoration comes out, please have a new one placed as soon as possible to protect your root canal filling, until a permanent restoration is completed.

Do not chew on any hard foods with your tooth until it has been permanently restored. It is important that you contact your general dentist for follow-up care after your root canal treatment is complete. A complete report of our treatment along with our radiographs will be sent to your restorative dentist.

Your general dentist can best decide what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. Typically, a core/build-up with a crown over top is indicated.

Discomfort

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Motrin), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact our office immediately. The office telephone will give you the number of the doctor on call. If you need to call the doctor after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.