AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS

General Instructions

BEFORE TREATMENT

Endodontic procedures will be performed using local anesthesia (numbing medicine in the treatment area). There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work, unless we have prescribed an anti-anxiety medication. If so, a driver is required to bring you to and from the appointment.  Clayton Endodontics does not offer sedation dentistry. 

Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. If you are scheduled for a root end surgery (apicoectomy), please make sure we are aware if you take blood thinners (including 81 mg aspirin). 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 to use antibiotic premedication prior to dental treatment because of a heart issue or total joint replacement, please make sure you receive these medications from your physician requesting you take the antibiotics. The guidelines on heart conditions and joint replacements have changed over the years, so it is a good idea to get these prescriptions from your physician and to follow their instructions on when and how much to take. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

AFTER COMPLETION

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface may be 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. In some cases we will request 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. 

Your tooth is more prone to fracture immediately after endodontic treatment. You should chew on the other side until your restorative dentist has placed a core build-up and a protective restoration, usually a crown. If your tooth's strength is compromised, your endodontist or restorative dentist may place a post and core build-up inside the tooth. Your restorative dentist and endodontist will determine the appropriate restoration to best protect your tooth.

Home Care Instructions--Please see next tab (Root Canal Post Care Instructions)

If you have any questions, please call our office at 919-359-9110.

Root Canal Post Care Instructions

WHAT TO EXPECT:

After root canal treatment, some soreness is normal.  Generally, the tooth is tender to biting pressure.  This discomfort varies with the severity of the endodontic problem and may last a few days to a few weeks.  Should you have increasing pain or swelling, please contact our office.

MEDICATIONS:

Some pain medication may be necessary.  We recommend ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin).  If you cannot take this medication, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is okay, but it does not have significant anti-inflammatory properties (most root canal associated pain is caused by inflammation). If you have pain, it is more effective to take medications "by the clock", rather than waiting for the pain to be significant and then taking medications. General instructions for pain relief:

  • Ibuprofen: Adult - 600 mg to 800 mg every 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 3200 mg in 24 hours.
  • Tylenol: Adult - 500 mg  to 1000 mg (every 6 hours) as needed. Do not exceed 4000mg in 24 hours.

COMBINING MEDICATIONS:

If needed, the combination of Ibuprofen and Tylenol can provide extra pain relief.  Take 600 mg of ibuprofen along with 1 extra strength Tylenol (500 mg) every 6 hours.

Everyone has a different medical history and different medical conditions, so please consult with your physician if needed.

GUM TENDERNESS:

Your gums may be tender around the tooth for a few days after treatment.  If desired, a salt water rinse is helpful: Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt with 1 cup of warm water, then rinse your mouth for 1 minute.  Rinse several times per day until gum tenderness is gone.

TEMPORARY FILLING:

A temporary filling may have been placed in the access opening of the tooth.  If  your root canal was completed today, it is important that you return to your dentist for a permanent crown or filling within 3-4 weeks.. Temporary fillings will begin to leak after 4 weeks and could allow reinfection of the root canal if not replaced with a permanent restoration.  If you are scheduled to return to our office in a few weeks to finish root canal treatment, you do not need to see your general dentist until that appointment is completed.  Please do not chew on this tooth for at least 6 hours after treatment to allow the filling to harden.  After that, do not eat anything sticky or chewy on that tooth as it may dislodge the filling material. The temporary filling may start to “dish out” or wear down with normal eating and chewing. 

ORAL HYGIENE:

It is recommended to continue normal brushing after treatment.  You may experience some pressure sensitivity while brushing after treatment.

If you have any questions, please call our office at 919-359-9110.

Surgical Home Care Instructions

Post-Surgical Instructions

Surgical Home Care Instructions

 

  1. Avoid strenuous activity for the remainder of the day. Routine, nonstrenuous activity is not harmful, unless otherwise directed. Smoking and alcohol consumption delay the wound healing process and should be avoided or minimized for 3 days following surgery.
  2. It is essential that you maintain an adequate diet with soft foods and fluid intake (avoid hot beverages) during the first 2 days following surgery. Use your own judgment after this period, but avoid popcorn, hard and chewy foods for one week.
  3. Avoid manipulation of the facial tissues as much as possible. Do not raise the lip or pull back the cheeks to inspect the surgical site as you may dislodge the sutures (stitches).
  4. Swelling, pain, oozing, and/or skin discoloration may be experienced. This will be temporary.  If the surgery was performed in the lower jaw, a tingling of the lower lip is possible due to stretching of the nerve supply in this area.
  5. In order to reduce swelling, use of an ice pack on the face over the operated area is recommended. The ice should be used for 15-20 minutes every hour, for 4-6 hours following surgery.
  6. Do not brush the gumline of the teeth near the operated area for 4-5 days after surgery. Be sure to brush the rest of your teeth as usual.
  7. If you were given a prescription for chlorhexidine mouth rinse, do not use for two days. Begin using again in two days as directed on the bottle. If you would like, you can use warm salt water rinses (½ tsp. of table salt and ½ glass of warm water) in the meantime.
  8. Rest the day of the surgery and avoid strenuous activities for 48 hours after surgery.
  9. For pain: if you were prescribed a steroid, this is an effective pain reliever. This may be all you need for pain. If you need additional pain relief, take 500-1000 mg acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours as needed.
  10. If you were not prescribed a steroid, you can take 600-800 mg Ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed. Adding 500 mg acetaminophen with the ibuprofen increases the level of pain control, if needed.
  11. Post surgical infection is unusual, but possible. Signs of infection may cause increased pain, increased swelling and tenderness, elevated body temperature, chills, and other flu like symptoms. An objectionable odor and taste may also be experienced. If these conditions exist, please call our office.
  12. It is important that you return for a post-operative visit to remove stitches and evaluate healing.

If you have any questions, or difficulties arise as a consequence of your treatment, please do not hesitate to call our office.