Before & After Care

Before Endodontic Care:

This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work. A doctor is available for consultation at all times should a problem arise after your treatment.

Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable.

If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis, or if you have rheumatic heart disease, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

General Instructions After Each Visit: 

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen.

Discomfort may be alleviated by taking Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil 600 mg. which is equivalent to 3 over-the-counter tablets, every 6 hours), Aspirin, or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. These should be taken with food. NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact our office immediately. The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.

After Endodontic Treatment:

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. A follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Do not chew on the tooth until the final restoration is placed. Please telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment.  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU RETURN TO YOUR GENERAL DENTIST WITHIN 30 DAYS TO HAVE THE PERMANENT RESTORATION PLACED.  FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN POSSIBLE RE-INFECTION AND RETREATMENT MAY BE NECESSARY AT THAT TIME.  A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist.

Instructions Prior To Apicoectomy Surgery:

You have been scheduled for an endodontic surgical procedure. The surgery will be performed using local anesthesia. Most patients are able to drive home and return to work the following day. Post-operative complications are rare, but swelling and/or bruising may occur. Discomfort after the procedure is minimal, and readily controlled with medications. Detailed written instructions will be given concerning post-operative care and a doctor is available for consultation at all times should a problem arise.

Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your surgery.

If you are on daily aspirin or blood-thinning medication, please inform us so that consultation with your physician about changing the regimen before surgery can be accomplished.

Please do not take aspirin or aspirin containing medications one week prior to your appointment.

If you have been advised by your physician to use antibiotic pre-medication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis, or if you have rheumatic heart disease, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your surgical appointment.

Instructions Following Apicoectomy Surgery:

  • Apply ice (in plastic bag or ice pack) to face, 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. Repeat all day today. This will help to keep swelling to a minimum.
  • Discoloration may appear following the surgery and will gradually disappear. If swelling occurs, it will reach its peak by the 4th day.
  • Slight bleeding can be expected during the first day of surgery. If excessive bleeding occurs place a wet tea bag inside the mouth at the surgical area and press firmly on OUTSIDE of cheek for ½ hour. Keep head elevated. If bleeding persists, call the office.
  • Do NOT raise the lip to look at operated area. It is possible to tear the stitches accidentally, open the incision and delay healing.
  • Do NOT brush teeth in the surgical area with a toothbrush. Use a cotton swab to brush teeth in surgical area. Do NOT use a rotary toothbrush or water pik for 7 days after surgery.
  • Eat a soft diet; mashed potatoes, yogurt, hamburgers, fruit juices, eggs, malted milk, ice cream etc. Use a vitamin supplement if desired. Avoid hard foods or other chewy food (steak, toast) until sutures come out.
  • Drink plenty of cold liquids. If possible, avoid hot drinks and soup for the first 24 hours. Do NOT drink through a straw.
  • Starting the day after your surgery, use a warm salt-water rinse (½ glass of water, ½ teaspoon salt; repeat this 4 or 5 times a day for 2 weeks) or the prescribed mouth rinse (follow directions on bottle), whichever your doctor has prescribed. Rinse gently.
  • If there is pain, take prescription as directed or you can use an over-the-counter medication (i.e. one 600 mg. Ibuprofen or three over-the-counter 200 mg Ibuprofen every six hours).
  • Return to the office as pre-arranged by appointment, approximately 7 days after surgery.
  • If any unusual symptoms develop, please contact our office for advice or further instructions.