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 contact 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 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.

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

A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist within a week of your appointment. 

After completion of the root canal, the inner structure is sealed by the root canal filling. In most cases, the outer surface of the tooth is sealed with a temporary restoration & a permanent restoration must be placed by your dentist to protect your tooth against fracture & decay. Please contact your restorative dentist for an appointment within 30 days. The ideal permanent restoration of a root canal treated tooth is a crown. Failure to do so can result in reinfection or fracture of the tooth.

After your visit, your tooth & surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment & previous condition of the tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Please try avoiding chewing on the involved tooth for the first 48hours. Afterwards, the tooth can be sensitive for a couple of weeks while the tissues are healing. Do not chew hard food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed & your tooth is covered with a final restoration by your restorative dentist. 

Discomfort may be alleviated by taking 600mg ibuprofen (Advil) and/or 500mg acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6h. Please do continue your regular dental hygiene regimen.

Please follow these instructions as closely as possible. They are designed to help you heal quickly. If you experience any complications, please call our office.

FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY:

• Do not spit. Use a tissue to wipe your mouth as needed, or swallow your saliva.

• Do not use a drinking straw. Drink straight from the cup.

• Avoid smoking the week after the surgery as this will delay the healing.

• Keep away from the surgical area. It is possible to tear the stitches accidentally & delay healing. 

• Rest as much as possible the first 24 hours. Elevate your head with at least one pillow while sleeping.

• Drink plenty of fluids that have food value: juices, milk, etc.

FOR BLEEDING: Some minor bleeding is expected. A little oozing is normal & may persist for several hours. A small amount of bleeding may persist for 2 days. Should bleeding increase, apply a dampened tea bag with slight pressure for about 15 min to the surgical area. The tannic acid in tea will help to form a clot to stop the bleeding.

FOR SWELLING & BRUISING: Most patients will experience some swelling & bruising. The swelling will gradually increase over the first 48 hours before it starts improving. It may last 1-2 weeks. The use on ice on the first day is critical to cut down on the post-surgical blood rebound which causes the swelling & bruising.

1) The day of the surgery: Use an ice pack on the cheek next to the surgical site. Keep it on for 15 minutes, then off for 10 minutes (repeat until you go to sleep).

2) On the third day, if there’s some bruising, you can change to heat instead of ice packs. This helps in dissipating the bruising.

BRUSHING: You may brush your teeth while avoiding the surgical area until the follow up visit.

RINSING: You may start rinsing today, gently, with some warm salty water every few hours. Do not use alcohol-containing mouth rinses for a few days (1 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water).

MEDICATIONS: Take all medications with a full glass of water, and as directed on the bottle.