• 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.
• Please 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.
• Please bring with you a list of all medications you are taking. At each visit to our office, report any changes in your health status.
• If you anticipate using nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas) please advise us in advance.
• If you can take ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), it does help reduce inflammation when taken pre-operatively. We recommend two tablets of either medication 2-4 hours before endodontic treatment.

After Root Canal Treatment

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and the previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm.

• Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic treatment is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist.
• You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen.
• Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. If these medications do not relieve the discomfort, please fill the prescription given to you or call the office.
• NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery, while under the influence of prescription pain medication e.g. codeine, narcotics, etc.
• Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact us immediately.

After Completion of Endodontic Treatment:

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. A follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment. A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. Included in your treatment is 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. You will receive a notice in the mail when your follow-up is due. Please call for an appointment during the following month.

Before Endodontic Surgery

• Remember to have a light meal e.g. breakfast if surgery is in the morning or lunch if in the afternoon. This is especially important for those patients who have low blood sugar, are on diabetic medication or have been dieting.
• Wear loose comfortable clothing. Do not use makeup. Good oral hygiene promotes healing.
• Ensure that you have brushed and flossed your teeth prior to your surgical visit.

After Endodontic Surgery

To Control Swelling

• Try to keep your mouth at rest for the remainder of the day.
• Upon reaching home, place an ice pack or frozen moistened washcloths over the affected area 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off and repeat for the balance of the day.
• Avoid hot foods or drinks e.g. soup, coffee etc. and do not place heat on the side of your face.

To Control Bleeding

• Should bleeding occur, place a small, moist, folded gauze or a slightly moist teabag over the area and apply light pressure for approximately 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
• Do not rinse for 4-6 hours after surgery.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 2-3 days.

To Control Pain

• Discomfort may be more severe especially if surgery has been extensive. Two hours after surgery take 2 ibuprofen (Advil) plus 1 extra-strength Tylenol and repeat every 4 hours for 48 hours. If you cannot take ibuprofen, take two extra-strength Tylenol every 4 hours for 48 hours.
• If this regimen does not relieve the discomfort, please fill the prescription given to you or call the office.

Diet

A cold liquid diet is recommended for the balance of the day (e.g. milkshakes, ice-cream, yogurt, nutriment, instant breakfast etc.) Avoid hot food and drink. The day after surgery gradually resume your normal diet starting with soft foods e.g. scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, fish, Jell-O etc. Avoid foods that are hard, hot, spicy or salty. Limit alcohol intake and smoking for at least 48 hours to aid the healing process.

Oral Hygiene

It is important to keep your mouth clean. Brush and floss those teeth where surgery was not performed. DO NOT BRUSH in the surgical area. Rinse gently starting before bedtime the day of surgery. Thereafter, rinse twice a day with a teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water for 30 seconds and twice per day with an anti-bacterial mouthwash (e.g. Listerine) for 30 seconds.

General Information

Some swelling and discoloration of the face with restricted jaw movement are expected after surgery, especially on the second and third days. This should disappear in about 3-5 days. In some cases a biopsy may be taken of the infected tissue and sent to an oral pathology laboratory for examination. Any additional fees for this service will be billed directly to you by the laboratory. If any problem or question should arise, please call our office (703-368-8120). The telephone is monitored at all times.