Post-operative Instructions: Apicoectomy

1. Do not lift or pull on your lips. This may sutures to tear.

2. Unless specified by the doctor, begin taking Ibuprofen, Advil, or Motrin (3 tablets of 200mg. or 600mg every 6 hours for the first two days following treatment. Tylenol (2 tables of 500mg every 6 hours) can be used alternatively or in addition to Ibuprofen, Advil, or Motrin for two consecutive days whether or not you are experiencing discomfort.

3. Some swelling and bruising are normal and will gradually disappear.

4. To minimize swelling, use an ice pack application on the face on the side of the surgical area. The pack should be used 20 minutes at a time with 10 minutes in between each treatment and should be continued during the first day only.

5. Starting on the second day, rinse with the Peridex (2x a day for 2 weeks). Alternatively, you can rinse with warm salt water (one teaspoon to 8oz water), as often as possible for 1 week.

6. Take all routine medicines as prescribed by your physician.

7. Do not intake alcohol or other recreational drugs while you are taking pain medication for the treatment of your tooth

8. Follow your normal home care (brushing/flossing) routine except avoid the surgical area.

9. Soft diet for first 2 days. Avoid spicy and hot food which can traumatize the area. Good foods are eggs, pancakes, milkshakes, yoghurt, and soups (room temperature).

10. If you have an elevated temperature, excessive bleeding, swelling, or uncontrolled discomfort please call our office. In case a doctor needs to call in a prescription, keep your pharmacy number handy.

11. We typically recommend a follow-up exam at least six months after the treatment. We would like to evaluate the treatment area to be sure that you have regained normal function with the tooth and to determine the presence of bone healing.

Post-operative Instructions: Root Canal treatment

1. Avoid eating or drinking hot foods and beverages till the numbness has subsided

2. The treated tooth is commonly VERY tender to biting and chewing for a few days so try to AVOID using this side of your mouth

3. The treated tooth, the injection sites as well and the tissues around the tooth will feel sore & tender

4. Unless specified by the doctor, begin taking Ibuprofen, Advil, or Motrin (3 tablets of 200mg. or 600mg every 6 hours for the first two days following treatment. Tylenol(2 tables of 500mg every 6 hours) can be used alternatively or in addition to Ibuprofen, Advil or Motrin for two consecutive days whether or not you are experiencing discomfort.

5. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above medications, or should swelling develop, please contact our office at any time, including after office hours.

6. Do not intake alcohol or other recreational drugs while you are taking pain medication for the treatment of your tooth

7. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water (one teaspoon salt to 8 oz warm water), three to four times a day may also be helpful in relieving discomfort.

8. Brush and floss your teeth as normal unless instructed by the dentist

9. After the root canal treatment is completed, there is usually no necessary “waiting period” for you to see your general dentist. Although the root(s) of your tooth are permanently sealed; the outer surface of your tooth is sealed with a temporary restoration.

YOUR DENTIST MUST PLACE A PERMANENT RESTORATION TO PROTECT YOUR TOOTH AGAINST FRACTURE AND DECAY. DELAY IN OBTAINING THIS PERMANENT RESTORATION MAY PLACE YOUR TOOTH IN JEOPARDY.