TREATMENTS | post-op/general care

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Instructions for Surgical Endodontic Treatment

The treatment will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work. One of our doctors are available for consultation at all times should a problem arise after your treatment.
  1. Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. Anti-coagulation agents such as coumadin or aspirin are only a concern if the needed treatment involves surgery and generally have to be stopped prior to such treatment. This will be arranged with your physician at the time of the examination. If there are any questions, please call our office prior to your appointment.

  2. Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable.

  3. If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a 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 are any questions, please call our office prior to your appointment.

  4. 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.

General Instructions

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and the previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately. Our after hours service is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.

After Completion of Endodontic Treatment

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. The endodontist may have placed a final restoration or a temporary. You will be informed of the type of restoration that is placed. If a temporary restoration has been placed, a follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment. A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. If a follow-up visit is needed this will be made. This appointment will require only a few minutes and no additional fee will be charged for the first checkup visit. Please call for an appointment during the following month.

Guide to Tooth Pain
Symptom
Possible Problem
Action
Constant pain and pressure, gum swelling, sensitivity to touch.
Abscessed tooth causing gum and bone to become infected.
Endodontic evaluation and treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth.
Dull ache and pressure in upper teeth and jaw.
Sinus headache or grinding of teeth can cause these symptoms.
See your dentist for relief of teeth grinding. Endodontic evaluation needed for severe or chronic pain
Chronic pain in head, neck or ear.
Pulp-damaged teeth may be the cause of pain in the head and neck.
Endodontic evaluation needed. If the problem is not related to your tooth, we will refer you to an appropriate specialist.
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment.
Momentary discomfort to hot and cold sensations does not signal a serious problem. This may be caused by a loose filling or gum recession.
Use a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth and brush appropriately.
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment.
Dental work may inflame pulp or nerves.
Wait 4 to 6 weeks. If the pain continues, see your general dentist.
Sharp pain when biting down on food.
Decay, loose filling, or a crack in the tooth. Possible pulp damage.
See your dentist for evaluation. If the problem is pulp related, your dentist will refer you to our practice.
Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods.
Pulp damage by deep decay or trauma.
See our practice immediately to save the tooth with root canal treatment.



Endodontic Treatments
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