Instructions following Endodontic Surgery

Physical Activities

The effects of the anesthesia will wear off within 4 to 6 hours following surgery. Apply finger pressure to the area of the face over the surgical site for a period of 20 to 30 minutes following surgery. This will reduce bleeding and swelling. Avoid strenuous physical activities, exposure to the sun and hot weather. Attempt home rest for a minimum of two days following surgery.

Pain

Expect soreness of the mouth with slight pain at the operation site. The teeth may become sensitive to temperature changes. They may become loose, elongated or painful to the touch. Occasionally you may experience a temporary loss of sensation at or near the surgery site. Take pain medication only when in pain. DO NOT drive or operate hazardous machinery when taking narcotics.

Bleeding

Some bleeding is normal. There will be blood mixed with your saliva for the first two days. Sleep with your head elevated and cover your pillow with a towel to avoid staining with blood tinged saliva. If heavy bleeding occurs, place a gauze pack or tea bag over the wound for 30 minutes and apply firm pressure. Repeat if necessary.

Swelling

You can expect significant swelling of the face for a period of 3 to 6 days. This may be accompanied by skin discoloration or bruising. To reduce the swelling, place an ice pack to the area for fifteen minutes on and then ten minutes

off intervals during the first 4 to 6 hours following surgery. DO NOT USE heat pads or take hot liquids during the first 4 to 6 hours, your lips or the corners of your mouth may become bruised or sore. Keep them lubricated with vaseline.

Sutures

For the thorough removal of infected, diseased or abscessed tissue and for better treatment results, the incision was extended to include adjacent teeth. The edges of the wound are held together with very delicate sutures. To prevent suture loss, please do not pull or lift the lips or cheeks. DO NOT disturb the sutures. Return to our office as directed for removal of the sutures. Do not be alarmed if one or more of the sutures become loose or lost 3 to 4 days following surgery. The wound has already closed.

Diet

You may drink cold milk within the first 4 to 6 hours. Eat only soft foods for the first 24 hours, Drink plenty of fluids but avoid carbonated drinks, juices and alcoholic beverages. Avoid tobacco, spicy foods, potato chips, popcorn, nuts and other rough foods. Avoid carbohydrates for 2 to 3 days. Follow a protein-rich diet. Liquid proteins are excellent.

Oral Hygiene

The wound area should be gently cleaned or swabbed with a gauze pad moistened with an antiseptic mouth wash. The rest of the mouth can be brushed in a normal fashion but gently. After the first 24 hours following surgery begin to rinse the mouth with warm salt water every 3 to 4 hours (1-1/2 teaspoons salt to 1 glass of warm water). It is recommended that you use an antiseptic mouthwash, especially if you have numerous restorations or prosthetic appliances.

Antibiotic Medication

You should use the antibiotic prescription as follows as instructed by our office.

If you develop a rash or itching, stop taking the medication and immediately call our office. Be sure to take all the prescribed medication. If you develop nausea or vomiting, stop taking the medication and call our office, Do not use alcohol If you are taking antibiotics.

Biopsy

Some of the infected tissue found during the operation will be sent for pathological examination. This is routine for this type of surgery. You will be informed of the results when they are available. You will be charged for this examination directly by the pathology laboratory.