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 contact 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 premedication 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.

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 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.

Your tooth is more prone to fracture immediately after endodontic treatment. You should chew on the other side until your restorative dentist has placed a core build-up and a protective restoration, usually a crown. If your tooth’s strength is seriously compromised, your endodontist or restorative dentist may place a post and core build-up inside the tooth. Your restorative dentist and endodontist will determine the appropriate restoration to best protect your tooth.

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. If you were given a post-operative pain medication at your treatment visit, you may use that as directed for discomfort as well.

Please follow these instructions as closely as possible. They are designed to help you heal quickly. If you experience any complications, please call our office.

FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY:

1) Do not spit. Use a tissue to wipe your mouth as needed, or swallow your saliva.

2) Do not use a drinking straw. Drink straight from the cup.

3) Avoid smoking the first 72 hours.

4) Keep fingers & tongue away from the surgical area. It is possible to tear the stitches accidentally & delay healing.

5) Rest as much as possible the first 24 hours. Elevate your head with at least one pillow while sleeping.

6) Drink plenty of fluids that have food value: juices, milk, etc.

FOR BLEEDING:

Some minor bleeding is expected. A little oozing is normal & 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.

FOR SWELLING & BRUISING:

Most patients will experience some swelling & 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 on ice on the first day is critical to cut down on the post-surgical blood rebound which causes the swelling and bruising.

1) Use an ice pack on the cheek or face next to the surgical site. Keep it on for 15 minutes, then off for 10 minutes, and repeat until you go to sleep. This is the extremely important to do for the whole day right after the surgery.

2) Sleep with you head elevated slightly, above the heart. This will keep swelling down.

3) On the third day, change to moist heat instead of ice packs. This helps in dissipating the swelling & bruising.

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, you will 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 rinsing today, gently, with some warm salty water every few hours. Do not use alcohol-containing mouth rinses for a few days (1 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water).

MEDICATIONS:

Take all medications with a full glass of water, and as directed on the bottle. Call us if you experience any issues.