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INSTRUCTION
Introduction

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Before Endodontic Treatment

Home Care Instructions

Discomfort Management

BEFORE ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work or school. Should a problem arise after treatment a doctor is always available.

Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and all other conditions as recommended by your physician.

If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic pre-medication because of MVP (mitral valve prolapse), artificial joints, or any other immunocompromised condition please make sure that you take the antibiotic prescribed the day of your appointment.

If you are taking any blood thinners such as Coumadin or Plavix you will be asked to have a medical form signed by your physician informing us whether or not you should stop taking the medication prior to having treatment. We will also need to have your last INR number.

If you have any questions about your health issues please contact our office. We will be glad to assist you.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

ROOT CANALS & RETREATMENTS

During root canal therapy it is common for your tooth to be sensitive for the first few days after treatment.

Be careful eating and drinking hot foods until the local anesthetic has worn off.

No more than light pressure should be placed on the tooth for the first two days. Try to eat softer foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth.

Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would, being gentle in the area of the root canal.

After your root canal is completed we will send your dentist an x-ray report. It is important that you make an appointment with your dentist to have a permanent filling or crown placed.

APICOECTOMY/PERlAPICAL SURGERY

Apply an ice pack to the area for the rest of the day at intervals of 20 minutes on, 5 minutes off.

Do not chew anything until the local anesthetic has worn off. After that eat only soft foods until the following day when you can resume your normal diet.

On the day of the surgery, do not brush or floss the area, which has had the surgery. The day after your surgery you may brush and floss as you normally do, being gentle in the area of the surgery.

Pain will be minimized by the ice applications. It is normal to have some pain once the local anesthetic has worn off. This discomfort is usually minimal and lasts for about 24 to 48 hours.

Swelling will be minimized by the ice applications. It is normal for the area to swell. Swelling will take approximately 5 days to run its course. It will be swollen the most the following 2 days and then subside over the next 3 days. There will be some swelling the evening of the procedure. The following morning it will be more swollen. The swelling may go down during the day and seem more swollen the next morning. After the second day, the swelling will usually get better each day and should be negligible in 5 to 7 days after surgery.

You will have to return to our office in 4 to 7 days to have your sutures removed.

 DISCOMFORT MANAGEMENT

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days after your procedure. This is normal. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as directed.

Note: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any medication.

Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact our office immediately. If it is after hours a doctor is available to answer your call. Please have your Pharmacy telephone number available. If you have ID blocking on your telephone please unblock your call for any after hour emergency calls.

If you are prescribed an antibiotic please take it as directed.

Note: Please note that if you are on birth control medication and are prescribed an antibiotic, your birth control medication may not be as effective.

Pain medication may or may not be prescribed for you. Please take them as directed.

Note: Do not drink alcohol or drive while taking pain medication.

Should you develop a rash, diarrhea or have any other problems while taking the medication prescribed, please contact our office immediately.