ROOT CANAL
PRE-TREATMENT PREPARATION
WHAT TO
EXPECT
AFTER TREATMENT:
It is not uncommon for a tooth to be uncomfortable or even exhibit
a dull ache immediately after receiving root-canal
therapy. This should subside within a few days (or even weeks).
This
occurs because of conditions, which existed before treatment was started.
Experience shows that if there was pain prior
to treatment there maybe a degree of pain that will continue
for a few days after the procedure. Remember that pain
radiates. You may feel sensations of discomfort that
are not related to the treated area during the healing
process. This can be created by inflammation in this area
and/or due to increase in blood volume that natural occurs
in the healing process.
Your tooth will be
sensitive to biting pressure and may even appear to feel loose.
This feeling is a result of the sensitivity of nerve-ending in the
tissue just outside the end of the root, where we will clean, irrigate,
place a filler and sealer material and a filling. This feeling
will be short-lived. Warm salt-water rinses for two days after
treatment will help.
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What
To Do Before Your Next Appointment:
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You will view patient education
about root canal therapy. |
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The affected tooth my be tested for
hot and cold. If the pain goes right away after cold testing the pulp
may not be irreversibly inflamed and may not need a root canal.
If the pain lingers for 30 seconds after or more after cold
testing, then it's irreversible pulpitis and it needs root canal. |
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Please wear loose fitting and comfortable
clothing. A sleeve may need to be rolled up to allow monitoring of
your blood pressure. |
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Please refrain from wearing heavy facial
make-up. Complimentary make-up is available after your surgery. |
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We want you to be
as comfortable as possible before and after your care.
We recommend you take a non-narcotic analgesic like Motrin
or Alleve before your
appointment to increase your comfort. We also
recommend taking acetaminophen or a non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen to relieve any
post treatment discomfort. Please take none of
these medications if you have a bad reaction or are allergic to them. |
| Please do not take any aspirin for 10
days before treatment. |
|
Medications may be prescribed. These
will be taken prior to and/or after surgery. Please take these
according to the directions on the bottle. If you have been given Penicillin
V take 2 pills 4 hours for 48-72 hours, then complete prescription taking 1
pill every 6 hours. |
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Medications prescribed by you physician
should be taken at their regular time and dosage unless otherwise instructed
by Dr. Peterson. Please tell us of any over the counter or prescribed
medications you are presently taking. |
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Refer to pain
control article. |
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You may want to avoid chewing on the side
of your mouth that has the infection. |
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Sleep with your head in an elevated
position if you do not have any physical limitations. |
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Eat a soft diet and avoid hard, chewy and
sticky foods. |
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Alcoholic beverages must be avoided 12 hours
before treatment and 48 hours after the treatment. |
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Do not smoke for 12 hours before
treatment and
for 72 hours after root canal therapy. |
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We will cover post-operative instructs
with you at the end of your appointment. |
