Endodontic treatment is 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.

1. Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.
   
   
2. Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable.
   
   
3. If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis, or if you have rheumatic heart disease, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.
   
   
4. If you can take ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), it does help reduce inflammation when taken preoperatively. We recommend 2 tablets of either medication 2-4 hours before endodontic therapy.
   

General Instructions:

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 (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately. The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.


After Completion of Endodontic Treatment:

The cause of the problem that was present in your tooth has been removed and the canals in the roots of your tooth have been sealed to prevent infection. Nature must now have time to repair the damage that the original problem caused. It is important to periodically check the tooth by x-ray to evaluate healing. There is no charge for this service and it generally takes only a few minutes. The doctor has arranged an appropriate schedule for you to be seen by his/her assistant and we will send you a card approximately one month before you are due to be seen.

Although the canals are sealed it is important not to chew hard foods on the tooth until your dentist has had the opportunity to see you and evaluate your tooth. Studies show more root canal treated teeth are lost due to irreparable fractures than to failure of the root canal treatment. It is not wise to wait before seeking care from your referring dentist. We will send a note about your treatment to your dentist with copies of the x-rays. Protect your investment in quality dentistry with regular checkups.

It is normal to experience some tenderness after your appointment usually due to the manipulation the tooth. Discomfort following visits does not effect the successful outcome of your treatment. The tenderness may show up as soreness when chewing and/or a dull ache. Usually, headache medications available over the counter (aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen) taken by the directions on the bottle will restore your comfort. If the doctor has prescribed any medications, please follow the instructions on the bottle. Gum tissue soreness may also be relieved by warm saltwater rinses. (1 tsp. Salt in 8 oz. Warm water) every 2-3 hours.

If medications have been prescribed or directed, take as directed until all the medications are used. If severe swelling or uncontrollable discomfort arise, please call our office for further instructions.