About Your Appointment

Preparing for Your Appointment

Before Root Canal Therapy

Depending on the time of your appointment, please eat a full breakfast or lunch as appropriate. If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to take antibiotic pre-medication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, hip or cardiac prosthesis, or rheumatic heart disease, please call our office for instructions before the day of your scheduled visit and bring a list of medications you are taking.

• Bring all referral information in your possession (referral card, x-ray films, etc.) to the initial visit.
• If you are interested in using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation, please advise us in advance.
• All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

After Root Canal Therapy

We encourage you to drink cold fluids and refrain from eating until the anesthesia has worn off to prevent possible injury to your lips and cheeks.

• Any infection or inflammation that was present in your tooth has been eliminated and the canal(s) have been sealed. Your body now needs time to repair and heal from any damage that may have occurred from the infection.
• The tooth may be tender for quite some time so be sure to take any antibiotic medication prescribed to you to help the area heal faster. An analgesic may also be recommended for your comfort and should be taken as directed.
• DO NOT CHEW ON THE TOOTH UNTIL ALL OF THE TENDERNESS IS GONE. The tooth will be sore to pressure so you should avoid hard or chewy foods. This should gradually decrease within 7-10 days after treatment.
• Although the root(s) are permanently sealed, the outer surface is only sealed with a “temporary” filling. It will only last for a month and therefore it is advisable to see your regular dentist as soon as you can to restore the tooth more permanently for greater protection.