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Instructions

We are dedicated to providing you the best endodontic care so you can smile with confidence. Prior to your appointment at our office, review the instructions below so you know what to expect before, during and after treatment.

Before Care

  • Local anesthesia is used for endodontic procedures.
  • There are typically no restrictions after a procedure that would impact your ability to drive and return to work or school.
  • You can eat a normal breakfast or lunch prior to your appointment.
  • Continue taking all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. Contact our office if you are uncertain if you should take a medication.
  • If your physician or dentist has advised you to take antibiotic premedication due to an ongoing medical condition, such as mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis, or if you have rheumatic heart disease, please be sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. Contact our office if you have questions about taking your prescribed medications.
  • If needed, you may opt for an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). These medications help reduce inflammation when taken before endodontic treatment and can be taken 2-4 hours prior to your root canal therapy.

After Care

  • We place a temporary filling to seal the outer surface of your tooth after treatment. You will need to schedule an appointment with your restorative dentist to have a permanent restoration placed on your tooth to protect it against future decay and fractures.
  • We will send a complete report of your endodontic care to your referring dentist(s).
  • To prevent fracture or infection, do not chew on the side treatment was completed until your restorative dentist has placed a permanent restoration on the tooth. This may be a crown.
  • We may recommend a follow-up visit to our office to monitor the progress of healing.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AFTERCARE

  • Lower teeth and nerve injury: Although rare, nerve injury can occur during root canal treatment to the lower posterior teeth. Your root tips may be near a nerve that supplies feeling to your lips, chin, and gums. This nerve can become irritated during treatment and cause tingling, altered sensation, or in rare cases a complete lack of feeling in the affected tissues. This is usually a temporary situation that resolves itself within a few days, weeks or months. In extremely rare cases, this situation may be permanent and/or painful. Our doctors are trained to minimize the chances of damaging this nerve during your endodontic treatment.
  • Upper teeth and sinus communication: In some cases, root canal treatment can result in communication between your mouth and adjacent sinus. This is because your upper teeth are situated near your sinuses. If our doctor detects this situation is present at the time of treatment, we will provide you aftercare instructions to follow. Typically, this situation heals spontaneously. Avoid blowing your nose for 2-3 days after treatment, sneeze with an open mouth into tissue and do not create any pressure in the sinus area. If you are concerned about this complication after treatment, please contact our office.

Post-operative infections:

Home Care

  • You may experience soreness around the gums and the endodontic treatment site.
  • Avoid chewing on the area where you received treatment until a permanent restoration is provided by your dentist.
  • You may take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), as directed.
  • Continue your regular dental hygiene routine.
  • Avoid the use of alcohol while taking medications.
  • Contact our office if you are experiencing discomfort that can not be controlled by the above-listed medications or if you develop swelling.

Infection Control

Our doctors and support team follow all procedures outlined by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This includes:

  • Using disposable materials
  • Wearing gloves and face masks
  • Chemical disinfection of surfaces and countertops
  • Sterilization of all dental equipment before each use
  • Disinfectant hand soap

In addition to these measures, reusable dental equipment is sterilized before and after each use with the use of an autoclave – a device that kills bacteria and viruses by using steam, heat and pressure.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ENDODONTIC CARE IN VIRGINIA?

It is important to us that you receive the best information before and after treatment at our office. Contact us today for more information.