Prior to Endodontic Treatment:
If you have been told that you will need endodontic treatment, please follow these instructions in preparation for your visit to our office.

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 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), it does help reduce inflammation when taken pre-operatively. We recommend 600-mg before endodontic therapy.

Following Endodontic Treatment:
While your tooth will no longer be sensitive to hot or cold, some post operative discomfort is normal. Generally, most people will experience a mild discomfort or “awareness” of the tooth and the surrounding tissues. This may be especially pronounced when biting. This discomfort is the result of your body’s inflammatory response to the root canal, and it may take up to two days to reach its peak discomfort. Typically, within a week or two, most of the discomfort is gone. Some cases may take longer to heal, while other cases, like cracked teeth, might never feel quite right.

Because most discomfort is due to an inflammatory response, your doctor has likely prescribed Motrin (Ibuprofen) 600-mg if you can tolerate NSAIDs. It is suggested that you keep a minimal dose of 1 tablet every 6 hours (4x day) in your system through the first 2 days of peak inflammation. You may take the Motrin every 4 hours if needed, and if more pain relief is necessary, you may take 2 extra strength Tylenols (acetaminophen) with the Motrin. Do not exceed 3200-mg Ibuprofen or 4000-mg acetaminophen per day. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately. If you are calling after hours, we will get your message and return your call. When you call, please have your pharmacy number available.

The long-term success of your root canal is dependent on your final restoration of the tooth. The filling you have in your tooth is only temporary and is good for approximately one month. After that, it will break down and could lead to treatment failure. It is imperative that you get your tooth restored as soon as it is practical. Please telephone your general dentist for an appointment.

We will send a complete report of your treatment to your general dentist.