Patient Information

Surgical Instructions

Prior to Endodontic Treatment:

If you have been told that you will need Endodontic treatment, please follow these instructions in preparation for your visit to our office.

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.

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 helps to reduce postoperative inflammation. We recommend two tablets of either medication 2-4 hours before endodontic therapy.

After Completion of Endodontic Treatment:

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for up to a month. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Do not chew food on the affected side until your general dentist has completed the final restoration on your tooth. 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. If you are calling after hours, we will get your message and return your call. When you call, please have your pharmacy number available.

We will send a complete report of your treatment to your general dentist. A final restoration must be placed within one month to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please telephone your general dentist for an appointment.

We will send you a recall card for 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.