Before Endodontic Treatment

Endodontic treatment will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure with regards to driving or returning to work.

Continue all medications for 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 prior to your procedure.

If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your procedure.

If you have any questions, please call our office at 989-791-3636.

 

 

 

Following Root Canal Treatment

Your tooth will no longer be sensitive to hot or cold but may become very sensitive to bite. Soreness to bite may be the most noticeable on days 3, 4, & 5 after the procedure. This will subside gradually over the next 10-15 days. We recommend taking 600mg of Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) every 4-6 hours. If you cannot take Ibuprofen or Aspirin, Extra Strength Tylenol can be substituted. Always consult with your physician if you have any questions about our recommendations and your current medications.

A temporary filling has been placed in your tooth. Please contact your general dentist for a permanent restoration as soon as you symptoms subside or within the time frame we’ve recommended. If medication has been prescribed, please take as directed.

If you have any questions, please call our office at 989-791-3636.

 

 

 

Following a Pulpectomy

The diseased tissue within your tooth has been removed and a temporary filling has been. placed. This allows your symptoms to subside so the root canal may be completed at your next visit. This tooth will no longer be sensitive to hot or cold; however, it may be sensitive when you bite down. This is normal. Advil, aspirin, or Tylenol may be taken as needed. If you have any concerns please feel free to contact our office at any time.

 

 

 

 

Following a Surgical Procedure

Swelling after the procedure is normal. To keep this to a minimum, apply our ice pack on the outside of your face for 30 minutes. Additional ice may be used at home/work; 15 minutes on – 15 minutes off for 1-2 hours. Avoid heavy exercise during the next 24 hours.

You may be the most swollen and sore on the 3rd day; this is normal. Ibuprofen (i.e. Advil, Motrin) is helpful in relieving pain and swelling. We recommend 600mg every 4-6 hours. If you cannot take Ibuprofen or Aspirin, you may use Extra Strength Tylenol. The swelling should gradually go down over the next few days. Some bruising may also occur. Always consult with your physician if you have any questions about our recommendations and your current medications.

• Avoid lifting your lip or pulling out your check as it is possible to pull the sutures loose and delay healing.
• You may eat a normal diet. Brush your teeth normally, but be gentle in the suture area.
• After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water following meal. (1 glass of water with ½ tsp of salt)
• If medication has been prescribed, take as directed.
• Return to our office for suture removal as directed.

If you have any questions, please call our office at 989-791-3636.

 

 

 

Incision and Drainage

A small incision has been made in the gum over your tooth to allow drainage of infection. You may experience some bleeding for the next few hours. To encourage drainage, use a warm salt water rinse (1 glass of water with ½ tsp. of salt) every 2 hours for the rest of the day. Do not place warm packs on the outside of your face.

If medication has been prescribed, take as directed. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

 

 

Your Tooth is Open to Drain

Brush your teeth normally but avoid chewing on the open tooth until you next appointment.

To keep it clean, rinse vigorously with warm water after eating.

If medication has been prescribed, take as directed.

If you have any questions, please call our office at 989-791-3636.

 

 

 

Diplomates, American Board of Endodontics

• If anesthesia was given, please do not eat until the numbness wears out in a few hours.
• The temporary filling will set in an hour. Please be careful not to disturb the setting of the temporary restoration during this time.
• Expect soreness around the tooth and gum for a few days. If you are able, taking over-the-counter pain medication such as Advil®, Motrin® (3 pills every 6 hours for 2 days), Aleve® (1 pill every 12 hours) or Tylenol® (2 Extra Strength every 6-8 hours for 2 days) can help to reduce the discomfort.
• If medications are prescribed, please take them by the clock to ensure their effectiveness.
• Please avoid using the root canal treated tooth for chewing crunch or hard food since doing so may cause discomfort or fracture. You should exercise caution eating with the tooth that received treatment at least until your general dentist completes the final restoration. This is especially important to follow if your tooth is cracked.
• Please refrain from applying unnecessary pressure to or touch the treated tooth with the tongue, finger or any object. This may cause prolonged sensitivity on the treated tooth.
• You may brush and floss the treated tooth gently but should not floss if the temporary filling was placed in the space between teeth.
• Please call our office if you continue to experience the discomfort more than a week after the treatment. After office hours or during the weekend, a doctor on call will help you.

 

 

 

After the Completion of Root Canal Treatment

(Root canal space is sealed and the tooth is temporized at the last visit.)

 

• If your tooth feels comfortable a few days after the completion of root canal treatment, you may call your general dentist to arrange the appointment to restore the tooth with crown or final filling within the next 2-4 weeks.
• Having the tooth restored with crown or final filling will extend the success of the root canal treatment that you received by preventing bacterial leakage and fracture. Failure to place the final restoration is the leading cause of the tooth loss after root canal treatment.
• After the final restoration in place, you will need to take care of the tooth with thorough daily brushing and flossing and regular dental check ups/cleaning.
• Root canal treatment saves root(s) by eliminating the inflammation or infection from the root canal space. Root(s) has not been removed but saved as a foundation through root canal treatment. It is natural to feel the presence of the tooth to tapping or touch after root canal treatment since the root(s) is still present. Occasionally, the root canal treated tooth may feel slightly different from teeth that did not have root canal treatment.
• We provide a follow up visit to monitor the outcome of your root canal treatment in a year to check the healing. You will receive a post card as a reminder from us to call our office to make the appointment for this follow up visit. There will be no charge for this visit.

Thank you for having chosen our office for your endodontic treatment. We appreciate and value your relationship with our office. It would be helpful to hear from you about how we are doing and where we can improve in serving you.

If you have any questions, please call our office at 989-791-3636.