INSTRUCTIONS





After Root-end Surgery

On the first day. . .
 
Avoid strenuous activities or any unnecessary lifting for 24 hours.  Take it easy.  Should you decide to lay down, protect your pillow case from any oozing with an old towel.
 
Fill any prescriptions on your way home and take them as directed.
 
Apply an ice-bag to the face over the surgical site, alternating every ten to twenty minutes.  Continue this for six hours.  This will minimize swelling and discoloration.  Do not use ice after the first day.
 
Eat soft foods for the first 24 hours after surgery.  The idea is to avoid foods that could possibly disrupt the healing soft tissue, near the surgical site.  Avoid alcohol, carbonated beverages, acidic beverages and smoking.  
 
You should brush your teeth in the treated area, but be careful not to disrupt the surgical site for at least 24 hours.  Avoid tooth paste near the surgical site for 24 hours.  Do not agressively rinse your mouth or us a water irrigation  (water pik) device after surgery.
 

If you experience significant bleeding, apply direct pressure.  This should be enough, however if the bleeding is persistent,  place a moistened Lipton tea bag on the affected area.  Do not cut open the tea bag.  Rest with your head elevated for 20 minutes with slight to moderate pressure over the area.  Remove the tea bag and confirm that the bleeding has stopped.  If it has not, repeat with a new tea bag.  If the bleeding persists, call the office or the doctor's emergency number immediately.

 

On the second day and beyond. . .
 
Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (half a teaspoon in a large glass of warm water) after meals. 
 
After 24 hours after surgery, one can use an antispetic rinse (chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12%). twice or three times a day.  This rinse should be discontinued after seven to ten days, as this solution can stain the plaque on the teeth a dark brown.  This rinse should not be used for the first 24 hours after surgery, as this can disrupt blood clot formation, which is a normal part of the healing process after surgery.
 
Although severe pain seldom occurs, some discomfort will usually take place.  Use the anti-inflammatory medication as directed.  There may be some swelling after surgery which will usually be notice for the first 24-72 hours after surgery.  The treated tooth may feel loose for a brief time.
 
Return to our office for suture removal as directed.
 
If you experience discomfort not controlled by your prescription, or any signs of infection or swelling, please contact the office at 919.256.3996.