Answering All of Your Questions About Endodontics & Tooth Pain
Before Endodontic Treatment
This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. Generally, there are no restrictions on driving or returning to work after the procedure. A doctor is always available for consultation if you have any questions or concerns after your treatment.
Continue taking all medications for conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, and any other conditions as advised by your physician. If you have any questions, please call our office before your appointment.
If your physician or dentist has recommended antibiotic pre-medication for reasons such as mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, hip, knee, cardiac, or other prostheses, or if you have rheumatic heart disease, please ensure you take the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. If you have any questions, please call our office before your appointment.
Post Operative/ Home Care Instructions
Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days due to the treatment and the previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and no cause for concern.
Avoid chewing food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed, and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration by your restorative dentist. You can continue your regular dental hygiene routine.
To alleviate discomfort, you may take ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Naproxen (Aleve), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed, if allowed by your medical history.
Note: Alcohol intake is not recommended while taking any of these medications. If you experience discomfort that cannot be managed with the mentioned medications or if swelling develops, please contact our office immediately. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.
Endodontic treatment has now been completed, and the root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. A follow-up restoration is necessary to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please contact your restorative dentist to schedule an appointment. A complete report of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist.
Your tooth is more susceptible to fracture immediately after endodontic treatment. It is recommended to chew on the opposite side until your restorative dentist places a core build-up and a protective restoration, typically a crown. If your tooth’s strength is significantly compromised, your restorative dentist may place a post and core build-up inside the tooth. Your restorative dentist and endodontist will determine the most suitable restoration to protect your tooth effectively.
Pre-Surgery Instructions
This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. There are generally few restrictions on driving or returning to work after the procedure. A doctor is available at all times should any questions or concerns arise after your treatment.
Continue taking all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. If you have any questions, please call our office before your appointment.
If your physician or dentist has advised you to use antibiotic pre-medication for any medical reasons, please ensure you take the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. If you have any questions, please call our office before your appointment.
Four days prior to surgery, avoid taking blood thinning medications such as Aspirin, Motrin products, Vitamin E supplements, and Fish Oil. If blood thinning medication is prescribed by your physician, such as Coumadin or Plavix, you must consult with your physician about stopping your medications before surgery.
Post Surgery Instructions Following Surgical Endodontics
Apply an ice pack to the operated area on the day of surgery until bedtime, alternating 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. This helps prevent swelling and soreness.
Follow a cold soft diet on the day of the procedure. After that, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid toasted bread and other sharp foods.
Do not brush near the operated area. Start brushing your other teeth and the opposite side the following day. Keeping your mouth as clean as possible will aid healing.
Avoid flipping your lip or laughing. Speak as little as possible and avoid placing your tongue on the sutures to prevent them from pulling out.
Drink plenty of cold liquids after the procedure.
Starting the morning after surgery, rinse with a warm salt-water solution (one teaspoon of salt per 8-oz. glass of warm water). Hold the solution in the area for 5 seconds, then empty and repeat until all the solution is used. Continue this as often as possible until the sutures are removed. Do not use other mouth rinses unless specified by your doctor.
Rest as much as possible for the first 24 hours. Avoid lying flat; elevate your head with at least two pillows when lying down or at bedtime.
Some swelling and bruising may persist for 5 days. However, contact our office immediately if you experience uncontrollable pain, severe bleeding, a marked rise in temperature, an inability to open your mouth, or excessive swelling starting a few days after the operation.
In some cases, a biopsy of the infected or inflamed tissue may be sent to an oral pathological laboratory for examination. Any additional fees for this service will be billed directly to you by the laboratory.
