How to Prepare for Your Root Canal Appointment: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Before Your Appointment

1–2 Days Before

• Fill your prescriptions. If Dr. Kung or your referring dentist prescribed antibiotics or anti-anxiety medication, start the antibiotics as directed and have the anti-anxiety medication ready for the day of the appointment.
• Gather your records. Bring your dental insurance card, a photo ID, the referral slip from your dentist, and any X-rays or CBCT scans they may have emailed or printed. If your dentist sent records electronically, confirm with our office that we received them.
• Fill out intake forms online. Completing the patient intake form before you arrive saves 10–15 minutes of clipboard time in the waiting room. The link is on our website at svendodontics.com/intake.
• Arrange transportation if you're planning to take oral sedation (anti-anxiety medication). You cannot drive yourself home after taking a benzodiazepine.

The Morning Of

• Eat a normal meal 1–2 hours before your appointment. After the procedure, the numbing will last 2–4 hours and eating while numb risks biting your cheek or tongue. Having food in your stomach also helps your body metabolize anesthesia and medications more effectively.
• Take 600 mg of ibuprofen (three over-the-counter Advil or Motrin tablets) one hour before your appointment. Pre-emptive ibuprofen has been shown in clinical studies to reduce post-operative pain significantly compared to taking it after the procedure. Skip this step if you are allergic to NSAIDs, have kidney disease, are on blood thinners, or have been told by a physician to avoid ibuprofen.
• Brush and floss normally. A clean mouth makes the procedure easier for everyone.
• Wear comfortable clothing. You'll be reclined in a dental chair for 60–90 minutes. A comfortable shirt with sleeves you can roll up (for blood pressure monitoring) is ideal.
• Leave valuables at home. You won't need jewelry, and watches can interfere with the pulse oximeter clip.

What to Expect When You Arrive

When you arrive at Silicon Valley Endodontics, you'll check in at the front desk and be seated in a treatment room within a few minutes. Here's the typical sequence:

1. Medical history review — Dr. Kung or a team member reviews your health history, current medications, and allergies.
2. Digital X-rays and/or CBCT scan — If we don't already have recent imaging, we'll take digital X-rays and possibly a small-field CBCT (3D) scan. This takes about 5 minutes and uses very low radiation.
3. Diagnosis and treatment plan discussion — Dr. Kung examines the tooth, reviews the imaging with you on a screen, explains what he finds, and discusses treatment options and costs before anything is started.
4. Anesthesia — The area is numbed thoroughly. We confirm you're completely numb before proceeding.
5. Treatment — The root canal itself typically takes 45–75 minutes, depending on the tooth. You'll hear some instrument sounds but should feel no pain. Raise your left hand at any time if you need a break.
6. Wrap-up — Dr. Kung places a temporary or permanent filling, gives you post-op instructions, and discusses next steps (usually a crown from your regular dentist within 4–6 weeks).

After the Procedure

• Don't eat on the numb side until the anesthesia wears off completely (2–4 hours). You can drink water and other beverages.
• Take ibuprofen and acetaminophen together as directed on your post-op instruction sheet. The combination is more effective for dental pain than either medication alone — and more effective than most prescription opioids for this type of pain.
• Expect mild soreness for 2–3 days, especially when biting on the treated tooth. This is normal inflammation from the procedure and resolves on its own.
• Call us immediately if you experience increasing swelling, fever, severe pain unresponsive to medication, or an allergic reaction. Our after-hours line reaches Dr. Kung directly.
• Schedule your crown appointment with your regular dentist within 2–4 weeks. A root-canal-treated tooth needs a crown to protect it from fracture — the root canal isn't complete until the crown is placed.

Common Questions

How long will I be in the office? Plan for 60–90 minutes total for a first visit, including imaging and consultation. Retreatments and surgical cases may take longer.

Can I go back to work afterward? Most patients return to work or normal activities the same day. You'll be numb for a few hours, so avoid hot beverages and chewing on that side, but there's no restriction on driving (unless you took sedation) or light activity.

What if I'm taking blood thinners? In most cases, you should continue taking blood thinners as prescribed. Do NOT stop them without consulting your physician. Root canal treatment involves very little bleeding, and the risk of stopping anticoagulation is usually far greater than the risk of minor bleeding during the procedure.

Should I take antibiotics before my appointment? Only if Dr. Kung or your physician has specifically prescribed them. Routine antibiotic premedication is no longer recommended for most patients, including those with joint replacements (per the ADA's 2014 clinical practice guideline). Patients with certain heart conditions may still require premedication — check with your cardiologist if you're unsure.