Post-Operative Instructions

• Do not chew or drink any hot liquids until the anesthetic has completely worn off.
• Be sure to fill any prescriptions given to you.
• It is best to take anti-inflammatory medication before the anesthetic wears off.  We recommend Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Aleve. If you can’t take these drugs, please consider using Tylenol.
• Please favor this side of mouth until tooth is comfortable. It may take up to 2 weeks. Once the tooth feels fine, you may chew cautiously.
• Unless the doctor has told you otherwise, you must return to your dentist for a permanent restoration. Failure to do so may result in re-infection of root canal or loss of tooth due to breakdown.  We will forward a full report of treatment to your dentist.
• Be sure to call the office with any questions of concerns you may have. Our offices are open Monday through Saturday and there is always a doctor on call after hours.

DO NOT

• Do not exercise in the first 24 hours as it may result in increased swelling.
• Do not eat sharp foods that may injure the surgical area, avoid hot food.
• Do not raise your lip to look at the area as it may tear the sutures.
• Do not be concerned if you have swelling in your face or discoloration of the skin of your face, as a moderated amount of both is normal after surgery.
• Do not rinse your mouth in the first 24 hours after surgery as you may cause bleeding.

DO

• Go home, sit up and place an ice bag on the area for at least 4 hours.  Remove the ice every 5-10 minutes to avoid irritating the skin.
• Take medication for pain as directed.  For mild-moderate discomfort, you may take over the counter medications such as TYLENOL or ADVIL.  For stronger pain take the medication prescribed by the doctor.
• Take antibiotics, if prescribed by the doctor.
• Take antibiotics, if prescribed, until all of the pills are taken.
• Brush your teeth gently, except the immediate surgical area.
• Rinse the area gently with salt water or prescribed after each meal beginning the morning of the day after surgery.
• Expect that you will have swelling in the area, which may get larger on the second day.
• Call the office in the morning of the day after surgery to report your status or to ask any question.
• Call the office at any time if you feel that you are having symptoms that are abnormal.

It is normal for patients to experience slight discomfort for a few days after their endodontic treatment.

If you are experiencing pain, please take both Ibuprofen/Advil [400 mg] and Tylenol [325 mg].  Repeat every 4-6 hours for the first 2 days after treatment, or as recommended by your doctor.

If discomfort continues, please give our office a call at any time.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you have any contradictions to any of the medications mentioned above, please contact our office for alternate pain management instructions