TREATMENTS-pretreatment  instructions

Before Root Canal Treatment (Root Canal Therapy Instructions)

This procedure will be performed comfortably using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work. A doctor is available for consultation at all times should questions arise before your treatment. Our doctors are trained to use state of the art techniques to ensure that all procedures are comfortable. If you feel any discomfort, we will stop immediately and provide you with more anesthesia. It is our goal to provide you with the best care available with total comfort.

1. 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.
   
   
2. Please eat a full breakfast or lunch.
   
   
3. 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.

If you can take ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), it does help reduce inflammation when taken pre-operatively. We recommend 2 tablets of either medication 2-4 hours before endodontic therapy. If you are having a surgical procedure such as an apicoectomy, please discontinue Aspirin, Ibuprofen and/or Naproxen (Aleve), or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory 10 days prior to treatment.

Prior to Endodontic Surgery

In order to obtain the desired result from therapy and minimize swelling and discomfort, please follow these instructions:

Discontinue the use of aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and/or anticoagulants 10 days prior to surgery. If you take anticoagulants, please consult your physician prior to any changes in medication. These drugs prolong bleeding and potentiate swelling.

• Eat a well-balanced meal.
• Avoid coffee, tea or other beverages containing caffeine the entire day of surgery.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 2 days before and 4 days after surgery. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, which may result in bleeding, swelling and/or pain.
• Do not wear contact lenses to your surgical appointment.
• Wear loose comfortable clothing.
• Do not use makeup.
• Take all prescribed medications as directed.
• Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery, while under the influence of prescription pain medication e.g. codeine, narcotics, etc.
• Good oral hygiene promotes healing. Ensure that you have brushed and flossed your teeth prior to your surgical visit.