BEFORE ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work.

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 take antibiotic premedication because of joint replacement or for any other reason, please follow their recommendation.  If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

AFTER COMPLETION OF ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

What Should I Do About Pain After Treatment?

It is not uncommon to have some discomfort following root canal therapy.  Not all teeth are created equal and some conditions are more prone to pain following treatment than others.  Studies have shown that the biggest predictor of pain following root canal therapy is pain before treatment.  Often there is damage in the bone around the tooth and this takes time to heal.  Most patients respond well to a combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil).  We would recommend starting with 600mg (that would be 3 over the counter pills which are usually 200mg each) of Advil after the procedure and then two extra-strength Tylenol (500 mg each) about three hours later.  You can continue to alternate these two medications every 3 hours for the first day.  

What to do following root canal surgery, or apicoectomy:

1. It is normal to experience tenderness and biting sensitivity for 2-3 days after your appointment, even if you didn't have any discomfort before you came to you appointment. Ibuprofen is ideal for dealing with pain. If you don't have problems taking Ibuprofen, you can take 2-3 tablets (200mg each; 400-600mg total) every 6 hours. If taken regularly rather than when the pain is felt, it will help to prevent the pain from coming. This is the best medicine for helping the swelling because it is an anti-inflammatory. If you cannot take Ibuprofen, please let us know and we will prescribe a different medication. You can also take the prescribed pain medication with the Ibuprofen if needed.
2. Avoid strenuous activity for the remainder of the day.
3. Apply an ice bag or cold compress to the outside of the face, over the operated area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the remainder of the day. This will help keep swelling and discoloration to a minimum.
4. Eat only soft foods for the first 24 hours; avoid chewing in the operated area until the sutures are removed or you have had a follow-up appointment.
5. Do not brush the area for the first 24 hours; after 24 hours gently brush the teeth alone (avoiding the gums in the operated area). Do not floss the area until the sutures are removed.
6. After 24 hours, use lukewarm salt water to gently rinse the infected area after meals. 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 Cup of water)