At your initial visit, our doctors will perform a thorough examination and will discuss the diagnosis and treatment options for your current dental condition. If you require endodontic therapy, it may be possible initiated treatment during the same visit as the examination. However, certain complex cases may require multiple appointments to ensure the best result possible.

 

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your appointment:

 

• Your referral slip and any applicable images or x-rays

• A list of medications you are presently taking

• If you have dental insurance, bring your insurance card to allow us to help you process your claim. Additionally, please review our financial policy.

• All patients under the age of 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all visits.

 

Prior to Endodontic Treatment

• If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication because of a heart condition, prosthetic joint, or any other health condition, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your visit. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

• Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to your appointment (i.e. latex or drug allergy, anxiety disorder, etc.)

• To aid in proper diagnosis, please avoid taking any type of pain medication at least 4 hours prior to your visit.

• 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 regular breakfast or lunch prior to your visit.

• This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work.

After Endodontic Treatment

• If a temporary filling was placed in your tooth you should avoid chewing for at least 60 minutes to all the filling or cement to fully set. Once the filling has hardened only gentle chewing is recommended on the treated tooth until you return to your general dentist for the permanent restoration.

• Due to the local anesthesia, you should refrain from chewing until the feeling returns to your lips and tongue to avoid injury. Drinking fluids, as long as they are not very hot, is allowed.

• Your tooth and gum tissue may often be tender to chewing for 1-2 weeks following treatment due to inflammation in the socket area. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm.

• Any discomfort should be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), 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 at 281-461-6700.  If this is after hours, please follow the instructions provided on the voice mail message.

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Important

Once endodontic treatment has been completed, the root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. An additional visit to your general dentist for the permanent restoration of your tooth is necessary. This permanent restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture, decay, or reinfection of the root canal system. Please contact your general dentist for an appointment. A complete report of your treatment and digital images will be provided to your general dentist.