patient informatiion
what to expect at your first visit
Your care begins with a thorough diagnostic consultation.
During this visit, we’ll review your medical and dental history and perform a clinical and radiographic examination to determine an accurate diagnosis.
If root canal treatment is needed, we’ll explain your condition and walk you through all available treatment options so you can make an informed decision.
In many cases, treatment can be started and completed on the same day. However, depending on your specific needs, we may schedule treatment for a future appointment.
All procedures are done under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. If you have any medical conditions that could affect your treatment—such as diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatic fever, artificial joints, or heart valves—please inform us before your appointment.
Please review this checklist prior to your appointment.
Please fill out the online patient forms in advance so we can prepare for your visit. If you're unable to complete them online, plan to arrive a few minutes early to fill them out in-office.
Be sure to take all your usual medications as prescribed, unless directed otherwise. If you require antibiotics for any medical condition, contact our office before your appointment.
If your general dentist has given you a written referral or recent x-rays, please remember to bring them with you to your appointment.
Please do not take any pain relievers for at least 4 to 6 hours prior to your appointment. This helps us make an accurate diagnosis based on your symptoms.
All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
Endodontic Post-Care Instructions
Wait Before Eating or Drinking
Please wait at least one hour before eating or drinking. If a temporary filling was placed, avoid chewing or biting on the treated tooth until your permanent filling or crown is completed. This is especially important to prevent the tooth from cracking, particularly when eating hard foods like nuts, pretzels, hard candy, or ice.Follow-Up With Your General Dentist
If advised to return to your general dentist for a permanent restoration, schedule that appointment within one month. Delaying longer increases the risk of fracture or decay of the treated tooth.Medication Guidelines
If you were given prescriptions, have them filled and follow the instructions carefully.
If not, we recommend:Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) 600mg every 6–8 hours for the first 3 days to reduce inflammation and improve comfort.
If you cannot take ibuprofen, Tylenol® 1000mg every 6–8 hours is an alternative.
Always follow dosage instructions as indicated on the medication label.
Oral Hygiene
Continue to gently brush and floss the treated area as usual. Temporary fillings rarely fall out, but if you notice it becoming loose, missing, or feeling unusual, contact your general dentist as soon as possible.What to Expect After Treatment
Mild to moderate discomfort is normal following a root canal. You may feel soreness or tenderness in the tooth or surrounding area for a few days to weeks, sometimes even longer depending on the severity of the issue before treatment. It is also common for the tooth to feel “different” during healing — this is expected and typically improves over time.When to Call Us
Every case is different. If you experience increasing pain, significant swelling, or symptoms that do not improve with medication, contact our office immediately.
We may prescribe additional medication or ask you to return for evaluation. If symptoms occur after hours, do not hesitate to call.
this Section is Very Important, Please Read Carefully
Although uncommon, flare-ups can occur in about 5% of cases and may cause significant discomfort or pain. These are more likely to happen with teeth that are highly inflamed, severely infected, or have had previous root canal treatment. However, flare-ups can also occur unexpectedly—even in patients who have never had issues with past root canals. Mild discomfort is normal after treatment, but if you experience increasing pain, swelling, throbbing, or discomfort that does not improve, please do not hesitate to contact our office. You may need additional medication such as antibiotics or pain relief, and in some cases, a return visit may be necessary for further treatment. If these symptoms arise after hours, do not hesitate to reach out — we are here to help.