Procedures

Surgical Instructions

Endodontic Therapy

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 at all times should a problem arise after your treatment.

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) 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 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 provided by your restorative dentist. 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. The office telephone 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. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. 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. Included in your treatment is a follow-up examination to evaluate the progress of healing. This appointment will require only a few minutes and no additional fee will be charged for the first check-up visit. Please call for an appointment during the following month:

Types of Tooth Pain

Constant pain and pressure, gum swelling, sensitivity to touch.
An abscessed tooth may be causing the gum and bone to become infected. Endodontic evaluation and treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth is needed.
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. See Your Endodontist 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. See Your Endodontist for an evaluation. 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 toothpastes 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 may be the cause of this pain. There could be possible pulp damage, therefore you need to see your dentist for an evaluation. If the problem is pulp related, your dentist will refer you to our practice.
Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods.
This could be caused by pulp damage, by deep decay or trauma. See our practice immediately to save the tooth with root canal treatment.