Patient Information

Surgical Instructions

Surgical procedures will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions concerning driving or returning to work after treatment, as long as there is no strenuous activity. A doctor is available for consultation 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.

General Instructions:

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and the previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Avoid chewing food on the affected side. During your regular dental hygiene regimen, avoid the area adjacent to the surgical site. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. NOTE: 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 us immediately.

After Surgical Treatment:

After surgical treatment, there is a follow-up visit to evaluate healing. In addition, a one-year examination is recommended. There is no fee for this one-year check-up. Please call us to schedule this appointment.

Guide to Tooth Pain

Symptom
Possible Problem
Action
Constant pain and pressure, gum swelling, sensitivity to touch.
Abscessed tooth causing gum and bone to become infected.
Endodontic evaluation and treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth.
Dull ache and pressure in upper teeth and jaw.
Sinus headache or grinding of teeth can cause these symptoms.
See your dentist for relief of teeth grinding. See the doctors at Endodontics Inc. for severe or chronic pain.
Chronic pain in head, neck or ear.
Pulp-damaged teeth may be the cause of pain in the head and neck.
See the doctors at Endodontics Inc. for an evaluation. If the problem is not related to your tooth, we will refer you to an appropriate specialist.
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
Momentary discomfort to hot and cold sensations does not signal a serious problem.This may be caused by a loose filling or gum recession.
Use a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. If discomfort continues or increases, see your general dentist.
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment.
Dental work may inflame pulp or nerves.
Wait 2 to 3 weeks. If the pain continues or increases, see your general dentist.
Sharp pain when biting down on food.
Decay, loose filling, or a crack in the tooth.
Possible pulp damage. See your dentist for evaluation. If the problem is pulp related, your dentist will refer you to our practice.
Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods.
Pulp damage by deep decay or trauma.
See the doctors at Endodontics Inc. immediately to save the tooth with root canal treatment.

Copyright 1993 American Association of Endodontists