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PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERALL PROTOCOL FOR ALL PROCEDURES
Welcome to our practice! Our dedicated team is here to help you achieve lifelong dental health in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. To make your visit smoother, we invite you to download and fill out the necessary forms before your appointment.
After your treatment, it’s important to avoid tough or sticky foods like hard candies for at least 24 hours, as they can damage dental restorations. Also, refrain from chewing ice to prevent any potential harm. Follow our office’s instructions diligently and make excellent oral care a priority. For specific post-treatment guidelines, click on the relevant topics below.
In case of an emergency, please reach out to our office. For serious or life-threatening emergencies, dial 911 or seek immediate assistance at the nearest emergency room.
BEFORE ENDODONTIC
TREATMENT
Prepare for your appointment by maintaining your regular oral hygiene routine, with extra focus on the area undergoing surgery. Avoid aspirin or similar medications such as Aleve, Advil, Motrin, or Ibuprofen for three days before your procedure, as they may disrupt the natural blood clotting process.
In the days leading up to surgery, use mouthwash or an antibacterial rinse to reduce the risk of infection. Arrange for transportation to and from your appointment, as ice packs will be applied to the surgical site afterward.
GUIDELINE POST
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Please follow these instructions closely and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
After treatment, please avoid eating, drinking, or touching the treated area with your tongue for the first 30 minutes to ensure the temporary filling sets properly.
If medication was prescribed, please take it as directed. If not, you may consider over-the-counter options like ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or Tylenol for any pain or swelling, following recommended dosages. Should pain persist, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
To reduce swelling, gently apply a cold compress near the treatment site, using a cloth barrier between the ice and your skin. Apply for 20 minutes every hour, as needed, for the next 6-8 hours.
Here are important guidelines to follow after your dental treatment:
- Avoid chewing on the treated area until the permanent restoration is in place to prevent damage to the temporary filling. Visit a restorative dentist within a month for the final crown or filling to avoid complications.
- Maintain oral hygiene by gently brushing and flossing. If the temporary filling becomes dislodged, contact your dentist promptly or use temporary filling material from a pharmacy.
- Expect some discomfort for 2 to 4 days post-treatment, which may persist for a few weeks. Continue regular brushing and flossing unless instructed otherwise.
- While rare, flare-ups may occur in 5% of cases, leading to severe pain or swelling. If you experience these symptoms, contact us immediately for further guidance or medication,
WHAT TO EXPECT
In a root canal procedure, the dentist opens the tooth’s crown to reach the infected root canal. They remove the infected pulp tissue, clean the canals, and use specialized files to ensure the canals are free of any remaining tissue while also gently enlarging and smoothing them. Once the infection has completely cleared, which may take a few days or more, the dentist seals the root canals with gutta percha or a root canal sealer to prevent any bacteria or debris from entering and causing further infection. Finally, they seal the tooth’s crown with a filling or a crown.