Before & After
Before-Work Instructions:
Please continue taking all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. The procedure does not require that you stop taking any medications unless specifically advised by your physician.
Please eat a normal breakfast or lunch as applicable.
If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication prior to a dental procedure because of mitral valve prolapsed (MVP), heart murmur, hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis, or rheumatic heart disease, then it will be necessary to premedicate one hour prior to the treatment. Please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. If there is any question concerning antibiotic premedication, please call our office prior to your appointment. We will be more than happy to review this with you.
All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
If you were given a referral form by your dentist, please bring that with you to your appointment.
If unable to keep your appointment, please give our office at least 24 hours notice so we may schedule another patient in need of care.
What Should I Expect Following Endodontic Treatment?
The root canal system inside your tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, and the irritated tissue and bacteria that have caused you to need root canal treatment are gone.
It is normal to feel some tenderness in the area over the next few days as your body undergoes the natural healing process. You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time. These symptoms are temporary and usually respond very well to over-the-counter pain medications.
Minor soreness may be best relieved by taking 2-3 ibuprofen, (Advil or Motrin), 4 times a day or 2 Aleve 3 times a day for the next few days post root canal treatment. Take Tylenol if the anti-inflammatory medication cannot be used. In most cases antibiotics are not needed but if prescribed, take your antibiotic as directed
It is important for you to follow the instructions on how to take these medications. Remember that narcotic medications, if prescribed, may make you drowsy, and caution should be exercised in operating dangerous machinery or driving a car after taking them.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment has been completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, please contact our office.
Post-Treatment Care Instructions:
- Do not eat anything until the numbness in your mouth wears off. This will prevent you from biting your cheek or tongue
- Do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist
- Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would
- If the opening in your tooth was restored with a temporary filling material, it is not unusual for a thin layer to wear off in-between appointments. However, if you think the entire filling has come out, contact your endodontist.
- If root canal therapy has been initiated but not completed, you must schedule an additional appointment(s) at our office.
- Please continue with any medications prescribed, unless instructed otherwise by the doctor. Notify the office of any problems that may arise from medications being taken.
Contact our office right away if you develop any of the following:
- A visible swelling inside or outside of your mouth
- An allergic reaction to medication, including rash, hives or itching (nausea is not an allergic reaction)
- A return of original symptoms
- Your bite feels uneven
Taking Care of Your Tooth
Root canal treatment is only one step in returning your tooth to full function. In most cases a temporary filling will be placed after root canal treatment. Returning to your dentist for a proper final restoration of the tooth is extremely important in ensuring long-term success.
Contact your dentist within two weeks to arrange your next appointment. If your tooth is being treated in more than one visit by an endodontist, do not return to your dentist for the final restoration until the root canal treatment is completed.
What the Future Holds
The tooth that has had appropriate endodontic treatment followed by a proper restoration can last as long as your other natural teeth. After the tooth has been restored, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, regular checkups and cleanings.
Your dentist or endodontist may periodically x-ray the tooth to ensure that healing has occurred. Occasionally, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or pain continues. At times, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, repeating the endodontic procedure can save the tooth.
