Instructions

Before Endodontic Treatment

The procedure will be performed using local anesthesia, allowing you to resume normal activities like driving or returning to work afterward. Before your endodontic procedure, please note the following guidelines:

• Continue all medications prescribed for conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid issues as advised by your physician.
• Eat a full breakfast or lunch before your appointment, as applicable.
• If your physician or dentist has instructed you to use antibiotic premedication due to certain medical conditions (e.g., mitral valve prolapse, heart murmur, joint prostheses), ensure you take the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. Contact our office if you have any questions.
• Taking ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) before the procedure can help reduce inflammation. We recommend taking two tablets of either medication 2-4 hours before your endodontic therapy.

For any further questions or concerns, please contact us at St. Catharines Office Phone Number 905-646-4477.

After Completion of Endodontic Treatment

Included in your treatment is a follow-up examination to evaluate the progress of healing. This brief appointment is complimentary for the first check-up visit. Please schedule this appointment within a month after the surgery.

Your tooth is more susceptible to fracture immediately after endodontic treatment. Avoid chewing on the treated side until your restorative dentist places a core build-up and a protective restoration, typically a crown. If your tooth’s strength is severely compromised, a post and core build-up may be placed inside the tooth. Your restorative dentist and endodontist will determine the best restoration to protect your tooth.

Are There Any Potential Problems After Treatment?

Nerve Injury with Lower Teeth:

There is a slight possibility of nerve injury during root canal surgery on the lower posterior teeth. The root tips of these teeth may be near a nerve that supplies sensation to the lip, chin, and gums. Your endodontist is trained to minimize the risk of nerve damage, but in rare cases, the nerve can become irritated during surgery. If this occurs, you may experience tingling, altered sensation, or, rarely, complete numbness in the affected areas. This is usually temporary and resolves over time, but in rare cases, it can be permanent or painful.

Sinus Communication with Upper Teeth:

The upper teeth are located near the sinuses, and root canal surgery can sometimes create a connection between the mouth and the sinus. This typically heals on its own, but we will provide special instructions if it occurs during surgery. Avoid blowing your nose for two to three days after surgery. If you need to sneeze, do so with an open mouth into a tissue to prevent pressure in the sinus area. If you notice any complications, please contact us.

Post-Operative Infections:

Post-operative infections can occasionally occur and usually require an office visit for examination. Often, a one-week course of antibiotics will resolve the infection, but additional follow-up procedures may be needed in some cases.

If you have any questions, please call our office at St. Catharines Office Phone Number 905-646-4477.

Post Operative Instructions

Patients can view and download our documentation concerning post-operative instructions here. Please see the links below:

Sedation Instructions
Instructions Following Endodontic Surgery
Post Operative Instructions

For any additional questions or concerns, please contact our office.