Patient Education

PATIENT EDUCATION RESOURCES

We believe patient education is the greatest way to prepare for a procedure.

Upon entering the office, you will be greeted by our front desk staff who is ready to answer any questions you might have. A dental assistant will escort you to the clinic and take a CBCT scan. Dr. Parker will complete a thorough evaluation and likely complete your treatment during the scheduled appointment.

Before Care

We welcome any calls to our office prior to your appointment to address any questions you may have.

Root canals will be performed using local anesthesia. There are typically no restrictions after the procedure with driving or returning to work.
Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician.
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 cardiac conditions or a prosthetic replacement (knee, hip, etc.), please make sure to take the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. If you have any questions, please call our office prior to your appointment.

After Care

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. A follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please contact your general dentist for an appointment. Your tooth is more prone to fracture immediately after endodontic treatment. You should chew on the other side until your general dentist has placed a core build-up and a protective restoration, usually a crown.
Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.

After Apical Microsurgery

Please follow these instructions as closely as possible as they are designed to help you heal quickly. If you experience any complications, please call our office and we are more than happy to help.

FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY:

Do not spit. Use a tissue to wipe your mouth as needed, or swallow your saliva.
Do not use a drinking straw. Drink straight from the cup.
Avoid smoking the first 72 hours.
Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical area. It is possible to tear the stitches accidentally and delay healing.
Rest as much as possible the first 24 hours. Elevate your head with at least one pillow while sleeping.
Drink plenty of fluids.

FOR SWELLING AND BRUISING:

Most patients will experience some swelling and bruising. The swelling will gradually increase over the first 24 to 48 hours before it starts to go away. It may last for several days to one week. The use of ice on the first day is critical to cut down on the post-surgical blood rebound which causes the swelling and bruising.

Use an ice pack on the cheek or face next to the surgical site. Keep it on for 15 minutes, then off for 15 minutes, and repeat until you go to sleep. This is the extremely important to do as much as possible for the remaining day right after the surgery.
Sleep with you head elevated slightly, above the heart to help reduce swelling.
On the third day, change to moist heat (e.g. warm wet washcloths) instead of ice packs to help dissipate swelling & bruising.

FOR BLEEDING:

Some minor bleeding is expected. A little oozing is normal and may persist for several hours. A small amount of bleeding may persist for 1 to 2 days. Should bleeding increase, apply a dampened tea bag with slight pressure for about 10-15 min to the surgical area. The tannic acid in tea will help to form a clot, and stop the bleeding.

EATING:

You may eat soft foods as soon as the anesthetic wears off. Try not to chew directly on the surgical site. You may resume a regular diet as soon as you feel up to it. Please stay well nourished, and well hydrated which will help you to heal faster.

BRUSHING:

You may brush your teeth while avoiding the surgical area. Be gentle, and do not spit or rinse forcefully.

RINSING:

You may start gently rinsing today with some warm salty water (1t of salt in 8oz of warm water) every few hours. Do not use alcohol-containing mouth rinses for a few days.

MEDICATIONS:

Take all medications with a full glass of water, and as directed on the bottle.

Financial Policy

Pittsburgh Roots Endodontics is committed to providing the highest standards of care for patients in a relaxing and friendly environment. Our team will review your case with you, discuss available treatment options, and estimate the associated costs. Payment is due on the day treatment is rendered.

We are in network with the following insurance plans: United Concordia, MetLife, UPMC Dental Advantage, UPMC Medicare, Guardian, Cigna, and Careington discount plans.

If you have another dental insurance, we are happy to electronically process your claim so that you are directly reimbursed by your insurance company. The exact amount of your reimbursement will depend on the specific details of your plan.

We accept all major credit cards and partner with Care Credit to offer 6 or 12 months of interest-free financing. Thank you for choosing our practice.