After Your Surgery or Endodontic Therapy

Post- Endodontic Therapy Instructions

Your Endodontic Therapy may require between one and three appointments—each case is different. It's difficult to predict which symptoms you'll experience, and to what extent they'll affect you personally. But, please be aware that you may or may not experience some or all of the following symptoms after any of your therapy appointments:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Sensitivity to pressure/ chewing
• Swelling

The Day of Treatment:

• If you notice pain, take 2 Tylenol or Advil Tablets. If you need stronger medication, take the prescription pain medication our office supplied.
• If you notice that the area is sensitive to chewing, chew on the opposite side.

The Day Following Treatment:

• If you experience a constant throbbing, or a heartbeat sensation, take your prescription antibiotic medication that our office provided.
• If you notice any swelling beginning, take your prescription antibiotic medication our office provided.
• If you develop sensitivity to pressure or chewing, continue to avoid placing pressure on this area.
• If you experience sensitivity when closing your teeth together without any food present, please call our office.

Remember: CALL OUR OFFICE with any questions, or if you need to speak to us for any reason. We are here to help!

After Your Oral Surgery

• Gauze: Keep the gauze that we placed over the surgical area firmly in position for 30 minutes. After this time, after washing your hands, you may carefully remove it and replace it with a fresh gauze pad as needed. Otherwise discard the original gauze without replacing it, unless necessary to control bleeding.
• Bleeding: Some bleeding after surgery is normal. If you experience persistent bleeding, place a folded gauze directly over the bleeding site and bite down firmly for 15 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, place a moistened tea bag on the site and bite firmly for 15 minutes. Repeat this up to 3 times if needed. If bleeding still persists, call our office.
• Smoking: We prefer that you do NOT smoke. However, if you find it difficult to stop smoking, be certain to cover the surgical area with gauze prior to smoking. This will help prevent smoke particles from entering the surgical area. Maintain this caution for a full 7 days.
• Mouth Hygiene: You must not spit, smoke, drink through a straw or rinse your mouth for 24 hours. If needed, you may lean over a sink and drool, or gently wipe the saliva from your mouth with a handkerchief periodically. But remember, it's OK to swallow the saliva that accumulates in your mouth. During recovery, continue with your regular tooth-brushing routine, avoiding the surgical area. To help avoid infection and hasten healing, perform the following warm salt water rinse routine after the first 24 hours: using 1/2 teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water, rinse once per hour; also rinse after meals. If you have documented high blood pressure, do NOT perform this rinse.
• Swelling: It's normal for you to have some amount of swelling. However, you can minimize this by applying an ice pack to your face in this pattern: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off… for up to 24 hours, but not longer. If you notice increasing swelling or discomfort after the 4th post-surgery day, together with a foul taste, fever, and/or difficulty swallowing…CALL US.
• Medication: For mild to moderate discomfort take 2 tablets of your usual pain medication every 3-4 hours as needed. If you need stronger medication, have your prescription filled and follow the directions on the label. If we provided you with an antibiotic or other necessary medication, have the prescription(s) filled as well, and begin taking as directed.
• Diet: During the first 24 hours, you should only eat soft foods. After this, you can progress back to your normal diet as your recovery allows. Throughout recovery, drink plenty of liquids.
• Stiff Jaw: Using a warm, wet towel, apply moist heat to your face near the surgical area. Then, gently attempt to open and close your mouth, using your fingers to carefully push your jaws apart.

Remember: CALL OUR OFFICE if any of the above problems persist, or if you have ANY questions. We're here to help!