Before Endodontic Treatment

This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia just like getting a filling at your dentist’s office.  There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work. We do want you to wait until the numbness is gone before you eat anything.  You are able to drink liquids right away, but avoid hard foods when you do eat later that day.

Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. If you are on blood thinning medication like Coumadin or Plavix, please continue on those, no need to discontinue those types of medications.  Your root canal will be similar to getting a filling at your dentist’s office. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

Please eat a normal breakfast or lunch as applicable.

Some patients are required by their physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication prior to dental visits to prevent infective endocarditis or prosthetic joint infection.  Situations or conditions like mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, hip or knee replacement or prosthesis, certain cardiac issues or rheumatic heart disease usually require antibiotic premedication. Please make sure you take the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment as you have been directed.   If you have any questions about this, please call our office prior to your appointment.

If you can take ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), it does help reduce inflammation and post treatment discomfort when taken pre-operatively or before we treat you.   We recommend 600 mg of ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), if you can take this medication at that dosage, or you can take 2 tablets of Aleve two hours before endodontic therapy.  These medications help greatly with post operative soreness, but take these over the counter NSAID’s only if you know you tolerate them well.  If in doubt please call your physician first.

If you have any questions, please call our office at Beckley Office Phone Number 304-255-0020