Before Endodontic Treatment
Your endodontic procedures are completed using local anesthesia. Treatments that are provided with and without nitrous oxide sedation do not require any restrictions, you may drive yourself home after the appointment and there are no restrictions that would prohibit your returning to work. Please inform a team member when you schedule your appointment if you are requesting nitrous oxide or sedation for your dental visit.
Please continue taking all of your medications recommended by your physician: including blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid and any other daily medications. If you have any questions, please call our office prior to your appointment, so that we can consult with your physician if necessary.
- Please be sure to eat a full breakfast or lunch prior to your appointment.
If you have been advised by your physician or orthopedic surgeon to take antibiotic premedication prior to your dental treatment, please make sure that you are taking the proper dosage on your day of treatment. Antibiotic premedication is indicated for cardiac valve replacements, hip and knee replacements, as well as various other prosthesis. If you are unsure, please call our office and we can complete a medical consent to your physician or orthopedic surgeon on your behalf to confirm the dosage and administration. The American Heart Association updated their guidelines regarding premedication and we would be happy to check for you!
We ask that you refrain from taking any pain medication the day of your appointment.
Will I need to return to your office for follow-ups after the procedure is finished?
Yes, follow up visits are recommended for most root canal retreatments, surgical procedures, and implants. We recommend that patients return to the office at specific intervals, usually 6 months to 1 year after the procedure was completed.
Post operative instructions
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Your root canal has now been completed. The canal or canals have been cleaned and sealed. Your body
must now have time to repair the damage that the original irritant produced. Although the roots are
permanently sealed, the opening to the canals has been filled with a temporary filling material, which is hard
and may last for many weeks. Current research has shown that even newly sealed root canals will be totally
contaminated with bacteria if the temporary filling is missing for over three weeks, so please don’t delay
having your permanent restoration placed. It is necessary to see your regular dentist no later than 4 to 6
weeks to restore the tooth permanently. A final restoration (crown or filling) will give the tooth its necessary
protection. A report will be sent to your general dentist. Please contact your general dentist to schedule
your permanent restoration if needed.
Do not eat anything until the numbness is gone and then eat only soft foods for the rest of the day. It is
advisable to chew on the opposite side until bite sensitivity resolves on the tooth. Even if you were not
experiencing any discomfort prior to treatment, it is not uncommon for you to experience some degree of
discomfort for 10-14 days. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm.
Please follow the following Ibuprofen/Tylenol regimen below.
• 3 tablets of Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) (200mg each tab) with 1 tablet extra strength
acetaminophen (Tylenol, 500mg each tablet) every 6 hours for the next 48 hrs
regardless of the absence of discomfort.
• Do not use any of the above medications that your physician or pharmacist has
advised you not to take. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be
controlled with the above medications or should swelling develop, please contact
our office. If you have been given a prescription of antibiotics because of infection,
please take as directed until gone.
Please call our office if you have any questions. If you are calling after 5PM, please have your pharmacy number available. 925-240-8111