Before Endodontic Treatment

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

If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), 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.

If you can take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), it does help reduce inflammation when taken pre-operatively. We recommend 2 tablets of either medication 2-4 hours before endodontic therapy.

Anxiety Relief

Although root canals are virtually painless we understand some patients have dental phobia. If you are fearful of the procedure we can offer different levels of anxiolysis. We can use nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation (laughing gas) which will help to alleviate mild anxiety; you can drive yourself to and from the appointment. For the moderately fearful patient we can offer a pre-op oral anxiolytic. This is usually a benzodiazepine, Halcion (triazolam), similar to Valium, which is administered in-office 1hour prior to your treatment time. You must have a competent adult chaperon bring you to and from the appointment, and said chaperon must remain in the office during the entire appointment. For the most highly anxious patient we can offer intravenous (IV) sedation. This sedation is administered and monitored by a qualified, licensed dental anesthesiologist. Also, for IV sedation, you must have a competent, adult chaperon bring you to and from the appointment and remain in the office during the appointment. There are additional fees for each type of anxiolysis. Oral and IV sedation will require a consultation visit prior to any treatment.

If you have any questions, please call our office at Arlington Office Phone Number 817-261-8220