About Endodontics

Pre-Treatment Instructions

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Thank you for choosing Palmetto Endodontics for your specialized dental care! If you are a new patient, we look forward to welcoming you to our practice. If you are a returning patient, we look forward to continuing to help you with your endodontic needs.

Whether you are scheduled for an evaluation or treatment, it is important to bring the following items, if they are available:

• Referral Card from General Dentist
• X-ray(s) from General Dentist
• Dental Insurance Information

If you are a new patient, we will ask you for information about your medical and dental history that will help us to provide you with the best care. Included in this history we will inquire about medications you are currently taking and drug allergies that you may have. If you are taking several medications, then you might want to bring a list of those for us to keep in your record.

Please note that patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Patients over the age of 18 will be able to drive to and from their appointment on their own.

Financial Information

For your convenience, we are happy to work with your dental insurance company to provide for your endodontic needs. For consultations and evaluations, we take payment at the time of the appointment. We will file your insurance and you will be reimbursed the amount paid by your insurance carrier. For endodontic treatment, we will contact your insurance company prior to your appointment to get an estimate. Payment of the estimated patient portion is requested at the time of the appointment. After your insurance pays, we will reimburse or bill you as needed.

For your convenience, we accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

Post-Treatment Instructions

Root Canals and Retreatments

Now that your tooth has had endodontic treatment, it is important to properly care for it. After your appointment, you can plan to go about your day as you normally would. Root canals should not prevent you from returning to work or other normal activities. Here are some helpful instructions:

• 30-45 minutes after treatment: Do not eat or drink anything during this time.
• 3-5 hours after treatment: You can eat and drink, but be careful since you will be numb. As a result, you could accidentally bite your cheek or tongue causing injury.
• Until you follow-up with your General Dentist: Do not use your newly treated tooth to chew any hard or tough foods (i.e.: peanuts, ice, candy, steak, etc). Your General Dentist will permanently restore your tooth so it can function normally for you.

It is extremely important to follow-up with your General Dentist for permanent restoration of your tooth! You should contact his or her office for an appointment within 2-3 weeks of your root canal.

More information on Endodontic Post-Treatment Care

Endodontic Surgery

1. Some swelling and discoloration is common. Use an ice pack with moderate pressure on the outside of your face (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for 2-3 hours after the procedure to minimize swelling.
2. Some oozing of blood is normal. If bleeding increases, place a moistened gauze pad or facial tissues over area and apply finger pressure for 15 minutes. If bleeding continues, call our office at (803) 782-7722.
3. Do not lift up your lip to look at the area. The stitches are tied under the lip and you may tear them out.
4. Starting today, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gently rinse your mouth three to four times throughout the day. Careful brushing is important, but vigorous brushing may damage area. Tonight you should brush and floss all areas except the surgery site.
5. Use the Peridex mouthwash starting the day after surgery. Rinse with a cap full for 30 seconds and spit three to four times a day especially after eating. This reduces bacteria at the surgical site.
6. Eat a soft diet, chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. Drink lots of fluids.
7. Some discomfort is normal. Take your prescribed pain medication. If this is not sufficient, call our office.
8. Do not smoke for the first three days after the procedure.
9. If you experience excessive swelling or pain or if you run a fever, call our office immediately.