Patient Information

Surgical Instructions

This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. A doctor is available for consultation at all times following surgical 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 as applicable.

If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic pre-medication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, 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) 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.

Post Operative Instructions for the First Week after Surgery:

Do not disturb the surgical area. Do not raise the lip to peek at the healing surgical field. Try to minimize conversation, as that would cause the lip to move and displace healing tissues. Do not rinse or spit out the same day of the procedure. The second day rinsing with warm salt water at least three times per day will help to expedite healing of the tissues. Avoid brushing the area for eight hours following treatment. Using a soft bristle toothbrush, brush the teeth and along the gumline staying away from the incision.

Swelling and bruising is commonly associated with surgical healing. To minimize both, apply a cold compress for a minimum of four hours immediately following the surgery. The ice compress is applied twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off for at least four hours the first day.

Slight bleeding is normal on the first day post surgically. A small amount of blood filled with saliva will streak the saliva and turn it pink-red. Therefore, at night, place a towl down on your pillow case so not to soil your linens while sleeping. If excessive bleeding occurs, call our office at once.

Eating should be restricted to softer, cooler foods that don't require chewing i.e., pudding, applesauce, ice cream. Do not drink through a straw, but drinking plenty of liquids will rehydrate you and help with healing. Avoid hot and spicy food and stay away from the surgical site until further notice by your doctor. Smoking should be avoided completely.

Some discomfort is normal after surgery. Take Advil or Tylenol to control discomfort. If that is not effective, take prescription medications as directed. Remember that most prescription pain relievers may make you drowsy and therefore should not be taken while driving or operating machinery or handeling young children.

Take all medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you have been given any sinus precautions, follow the instructions you have been given. If you are experiencing any complications with medications, discontinue the use of them and seek emergency treatment.

General Instructions:

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. Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately. The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.

After Completion of Endodontic Treatment:

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been sealed and 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 telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment. A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. Included in your treatment is a follow-up examination to evaluate the progress of healing. This appointment will require only a few minutes and no additional fee will be charged for the first check-up visit. Please call for an appointment during the following month.

You will be recalled one year following your completed treatment in our office. This is a routine checkup to confirm that your response to treatment has led to complete healing.