Before Endodontic Care San Jose

Before And After Endodontic Treatment

A few guidelines

As you plan for your root canal appointment, take note of the following for added peace of mind for you and your family:

• Endodontic treatment will be performed using local anesthesia and, typically, there are no restrictions concerning driving or returning to work after the procedure. Therefore, it is not necessary to make special arrangements for transportation before your surgery. A doctor is available at all times should a problem arise after your treatment.
• 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.
• Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable.
• 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.

Home Care Instructions

Care steps after your root canal

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system is permanent. In the hours and days following your root canal, it is important to take measures to protect the affected area and monitor any changes you may experience such as swelling, bleeding and fever.

After your root canal, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration only. It is necessary to have a follow-up restoration placed on the tooth to protect it against fracture and decay. Please telephone your general dentist for an appointment. Our office will forward a report of treatment to your general dentist.
Follow-up appointment

Included with your treatment in our office is a 6-month follow-up examination to evaluate the progress of healing. This appointment is at no additional charge and will require only a few minutes. A reminder card will be sent by mail to schedule this appointment.

Discomfort After Treatment

What to do if you have any post-treatment discomfort and pain

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. To understand and respond to normal pain, please consider the following:

• Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your general dentist.
• You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen.
• Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications.
• Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact our office immediately. The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment,
please contact San Jose Endodontist Dr. Malek Today (408) 225-7010!