Pretreatment Care – Nonsurgical Root Canal Therapy
Prior to your initial visit, please inform our office of any current medical conditions or treatments. Please continue all current medications unless otherwise directed by your physician or attending endodontist.
If you have been diagnosed with:
- Hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis
- Any other condition
Your physician or dentist may advise you to use antibiotic pre-medication. Please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic the day of your appointment.
All minors (less than 18 years of age) must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them to their initial appointment.
Posttreatment Care – Nonsurgical Root Canal Therapy
If your endodontic treatment was performed using local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide anesthesia, you will be able to drive yourself to work or to home after your treatment. You should be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
If you received oral sedation or intravenous sedation, you will require a driver to take you to and from your appointment. You may resume normal activities within 24 hours.
Following Nonsurgical Root Canal Therapy
Your treated tooth will be tender to biting pressure for a few days following treatment, so avoid chewing on the treated side until you are comfortable. Also, avoid hard or crunchy foods. If necessary, eat soft foods like soups or blender drinks to ensure that you maintain the nutrition needed to promote rapid healing.
If you experience tenderness, achiness, or sensitivity to biting, you may take over the counter anti-inflammatory medication (Advil, Aleve, Motrin, etc.) or aspirin to relieve the symptoms. If you are sensitive to these medications, or have been advised by your physician against taking them, please ask us for alternatives. Also, please note that Tylenol is not an anti-inflammatory medication.
Root Canal Postoperative Instructions
- Take 600-800mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours for pain.
- Remain on a soft, cool diet until the anesthetic has worn off.
- DO NOT chew on the tooth directly until a permanent restoration is placed.
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
- If instructed to take antibiotics, take them until finished.
It is normal to have discomfort, pain or swelling after your treatment.
The discomfort usually diminishes within 3-5 days.
If your gums are sore around the treated area, a warm saltwater rinse will help soothe the area.
It is uncommon for endodontic patients to experience complications after treatment; however, should swelling develop, or if you can’t control it with the medications listed above, please contact the office immediately at 817-488-3636. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy phone number available when the doctor returns your call.
It is likely that you will need to contact and see your restorative dentist shortly (within four weeks) following treatment to have the treated tooth restored with a filling or crown. This final restoration is essential in protecting the tooth and root canal from future problems.
Sometimes we may ask you to come in for a follow-up exam 3 to 12 months after your treatment to evaluate the progress of healing. This appointment will require only a few minutes.
If you have any questions about the way your tooth feels after treatment, please contact us at 817-488-3636.
Nonsurgical Root Canal Therapy Postoperative Care PDF Brochure Download
