Patient Info
Before the endodontic treatment
Root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) will be performed under local anesthesia for your comfort. Usually, there are no restrictions after the procedure on driving or returning to work. Our doctor is always available for any follow-up questions.
Before Your Appointment:
- Eat a Full Meal: We recommend a complete breakfast or lunch beforehand.
- Medication: Continue any prescribed medications as directed by your physician.
- Antibiotics: If your physician or dentist has advised antibiotic premedication due to a heart condition or prosthesis, please take it on the day of your appointment. Contact us if you have questions.
- Pain Relief: If possible, take 2 ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) tablets 2-4 hours before your appointment to reduce inflammation.
Please reach out to our office with any questions to ensure a smooth, comfortable experience.
After the endodontic treatment
After receiving root canal therapy, it’s important to schedule a visit with your restorative dentist to complete the restoration of the treated tooth. This final restoration protects the tooth against fracture and decay. Our office will send your restorative dentist a record of your treatment, allowing them to determine the best type of restoration, typically a core build-up and protective crown.
Your tooth is more vulnerable to fracture immediately following endodontic treatment, so avoid chewing on the treated side until your dentist has placed the final restoration. If the tooth’s strength is compromised, your dentist may recommend placing a post and core build-up inside the tooth for additional support.
What to Expect Next:
- Follow-Up with Restorative Dentist: Contact your restorative dentist to schedule the appointment needed to complete the restoration.
- Treatment Record: We will send a full report of your treatment to your dentist to guide the next steps in your care.
- Check-Up Appointment: Included in your treatment is a follow-up exam with our office to evaluate the progress of healing. This check-up will only take a few minutes, and no additional fee will be charged for the first follow-up visit. Please call us to schedule this visit within the next month.
By completing the recommended restoration and follow-up, you’re helping to ensure your treated tooth remains healthy and functional for years to come. If you have any questions about this process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.
General Root Canal Therapy Information
Generally, root canal therapy is completed in only one visit that is however, if Dr. Rezaie determines that it is to the patient’s benefit and the future of tooth that the treatment is completed throughout several visits. Most root canal therapy treatments take approximately 1 ½ hours depending on the complexity of the procedure and the anatomy of tooth/teeth.
After receiving root canal therapy treatment(s) there is a possibility your tooth/teeth and the surrounding gum issue may become tender for several days; especially when you try bite on the tooth/teeth. The reason for the tenderness is due to the inflammation of the surrounding ligaments and the previous condition of your tooth/teeth.
Remember to avoid chewing food on that side of your mouth until treatment is completed and your restorative dentist has covered your tooth/teeth with a protective restoration.
After receiving treatment, you may continue with your regular dental hygiene routine. If you happen to experience discomfort you may:
- Take Advil, Tylenol or Aspirin
- Rinse with warm salt water
If the pain becomes severe which does happen on rare occasions, you may be prescribed stronger medication or antibiotics.
In the event that you experience swelling or pain that becomes unbearable even when you have tried to manage the pain with the above mentioned medication, please immediately contact our office.