BEFORE ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no dietary restrictions before the procedure. Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable.

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.

 If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic pre-medication 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.

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE PAIN MEDICATION OR BEFORE YOU ENDODONTIC EVALUATION. This has the potential to mask symptoms and prevent accurate diagnoses.

You may take pain medicine prior to treatment appointments.

AFTER COMPLETION OF ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed and the outer surface is either sealed with a temporary or permanent restoration. If Dr. Sykes places a temporary restoration, a follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. We will send a complete report of treatment, including a radiograph (x-ray), to your restorative dentist. You should receive a call from your restorative dentist to schedule your restoration appointment, if needed. There is no need for a follow-up appointment in our office unless otherwise indicated.

Your tooth is more prone to fracture immediately after endodontic treatment. You should chew on the other side until your restorative dentist has placed a core build-up and a protective restoration, usually a crown. If your tooth’s strength is seriously compromised, your endodontist or restorative dentist may place a post and core build-up inside the tooth. Your restorative dentist and endodontist will determine the appropriate restoration to best protect your tooth.

Are there any potential problems after treatment?

  • Lower teeth and nerve injury. There is a slight possibility that nerve injury can occur during root canal surgery to the lower posterior teeth. Your endodontist is trained to assess this possibility prior to treatment and will advise you accordingly. For lower posterior teeth, the root tips may be near a nerve that supplies feeling to the lip, chin and gums. Your endodontist is trained to design your surgery to minimize the chances of damaging this nerve. Rarely, this nerve can become irritated during the process of surgery. In these cases, when the local anesthesia wears off, you may experience tingling, altered sensation or, in rare cases a complete lack of feeling in the affected tissues. Should this occur, it is usually temporary and will resolve over a period of days, weeks or months. In rare cases, these changes can be permanent and/or painful.

  • Upper teeth and sinus communication. The upper teeth are situated near your sinuses, and root canal surgery can result in a communication between your mouth and the adjacent sinus. Should this complication occur, it will usually heal spontaneously. We will give you special instructions if this is apparent at the time of surgery. We prefer that you don’t blow your nose for two to three days after surgery. If you have to sneeze, you should sneeze with an open mouth into a tissue. You should not create any pressure in the sinus area. If you sense a complication after surgery, please contact us.

  • Post-operative infections. Post-operative infections occasionally occur. This usually requires just an office visit and examination. Many times placing you on an antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection Occasionally, other follow-up procedures will be needed.

Please call our office at (850) 877-0536 if you have any questions.