Instructions

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. A doctor is available for consultation.

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 (hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis), 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.

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING ROOT CANAL THERAPY

Please follow the instructions outlined below, and contact us should any questions or problems arise.

  1. DO NOT eat or drink anything for the next half hour. DO NOT try to feel around your tooth with your tongue. If you have a temporary filling in the tooth and it takes about half an hour to harden.
  2. If you have a temporary filling, you will need to have a permanent filling OR a crown placed on your tooth within 1 MONTH of the root canal being completed. It is essential for you to follow up with your general dentist on this. If this is not done, the tooth is very likely to fracture or to develop new decay underneath the temporary filling which may cause your root canal to fail. You will be responsible for all costs incurred if you fail to follow this instruction.
  3. DO NOT use the tooth to bite down on anything hard (peanuts, pretzels, ice, etc.) until the permanent filling/crown has been placed on the tooth. Again, the tooth is prone to fracture and if you bite down on anything too hard or crunchy you may crack the tooth.
  4. Some minor discomfort in the area is normal following the root canal. It is normal for the tooth to be uncomfortable for 2-3 days after today’s treatment.
  5. WHAT DO I DO ABOUT THE PAIN??? All of the above scenarios should be handled with over the counter medication, primarily. We recommend you take: 600 mg Ibuprofen (3 over the counter pills of Advil or Motrin or generic equivalent) every 6 hours for the next 2 days.
    OR
    (if unable to take ibuprofen)     1000mg Acetaminophen (2 extra strength Tylenol or generic equivalent) every 6-8 hours for the next 2 days.
    If you are given any prescription medications related to this treatment please take them as instructed by your doctor.
  6. You may floss and brush your tooth as normal, unless told otherwise by the doctor.

PLEASE READ THIS LAST SECTION, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!!

FLARE-UPS

Although about 95% of root canals cause very little to no discomfort after the treatment is completed, there are about 1.5 – 5% of cases which can cause significant pain. These are commonly referred to as “flare-ups.” They mostly occur on badly infected teeth, teeth that are extremely irritated, or teeth that have a history of prior treatment. Sometimes, however, they occur randomly, even on patients that have had several root canals done previously without any problems.

If you have a flare-up you may experience moderate to severe pain, swelling, bruising, throbbing, and general discomfort, which usually begins a few hours after treatment and may last 2 to 3 days.

Please contact our office 985-893-0715 if you experience any of these symptoms and we will do everything we possibly can to get you some relief.