Home Care Instructions

Pre-Treatment Instructions

This 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. 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.

Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable. 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 prostheses, or if you have rheumatic heart disease, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. We will instruct you not to chew until the anesthetic has worn off until you can feel your lips, teeth, and gums. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

Please do not take any pain medication before the consultation appointment. If you have already had a consultation and are coming in for a procedure, and you are not allergic to any of the following medications, you may take ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). This medication does help reduce inflammation when taken prior to treatment. We recommend 2 tablets of either medication 2-4 hours before endodontic treatment.

Endodontic Post-Treatment 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 treatment 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 over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.
• It's imperative that you contact your general dentist for the recommended post-treatment restoration and continued dental care.

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. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy telephone number available.

After Completion of Endodontic Treatment

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. A final restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment. A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. Included in your treatment is a follow-up examination to evaluate the progress of healing.

This appointment will require only a few minutes of your time and no additional fee will be charged for the first check-up visit. We will contact you a few weeks before you are due for your follow-up appointment.