Pre & Post-Op Instructions

Before Endodontic Treatment

Leading up to your scheduled treatment, you should continue to take all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, or other conditions as recommended by your primary care physician (PCP).

If your PCP or dentist advised you to take antibiotic medication before your treatment due to a heart murmur, hip, knee, cardiac or other prostheses, mitral valve prolapse, or if you have rheumatic heart disease, please be sure to take the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment.

Taking ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) prior to your treatment can help reduce inflammation. We recommend taking two tablets of either medication 2-4 hours before your appointment.

After Endodontic Treatment

Minor discomfort is normal and can be expected for a few days after your treatment as the tooth and the surrounding area heals. Any discomfort can be handled with over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you experience any pain that cannot be controlled with OTC medications or experience any swelling, please contact us immediately.

Do not bite down on anything with the treated tooth until the permanent filling or crown is in place. The tooth is more prone to infection or fracture during this stage.

You may continue your regular dental hygiene routine, but take extra care around the treated area.

Potential Complications of Endodontic Treatment

While complications are uncommon, there are certain risks that could occur with any surgical treatment.

Post-Op Infection

The most common endodontic treatment complication is post-operative infections. In most cases, a week’s worth of antibiotics will clear up the infection. In the rare event that medication does not rid the infection, additional follow-up procedures may be necessary.

Nerve Injury

There is a chance that root canal surgery on the lower posterior teeth can potentially cause nerve injury. Our expert endodontists have been trained to evaluate this possibility before beginning any treatment.

Your lower posterior teeth may have root tips that are close to nerves that provide feeling to the gums, lips, and chin. In rare cases, this nerve may become inflamed during surgery, and once the local anesthesia wears off, you could feel a tingling sensation or continued numbness. This is usually a temporary issue and can resolve on its own in a matter of days, weeks, or months.