POST-OPERATIVE ENDODONTIC SURGICAL INSTRUCTIONS
 

BLEEDING/SWELLING - Some discomfort is normal following apical surgery. During the first 24 hours you may notice some pink saliva and slight swelling. After a few days, bruising may occur. If you have bleeding, place moistened folded gauze adjacent to the area and apply an ice pack over the area. Keep the gauze in place for 20 minutes and replace if needed.

ICE - Apply ice to the surgical site for 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off for the first 24 hours after surgery.

SUTURES - Sutures were placed to close the surgical site. Please don't lift your lip to look at the surgical area; it can stretch and break the sutures. Avoid chewing food near the surgical area and eat a soft diet for the next few days. The sutures will be removed 4-7 days after surgery.

PAIN MEDICATIONS – If you are experiencing discomfort, follow the regimen below:

• 600 mg Ibuprofen (3-200mg over the counter pills of Advil or Motrin or generic equivalent) and 1000 mg Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours.
• If you cannot take Ibuprofen, you can take 1000 mg Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours.
• Applying ice to the area and a soft diet will also help minimize/reduce discomfort.
• Please call if the above protocol is not relieving your discomfort.
• WOMEN - If you have been prescribed an antibiotic and you are taking birth control pills, alternate methods of birth control will need to be used for at least a month.

GENERAL CARE INSTRUCTIONS - Don’t brush the area for 1 week. You may brush the rest of your mouth and tongue. Don't rinse vigorously as it may stretch the tissue and break the sutures. You should swish gently. You may have been given a Prescription mouth rinse called Peridex to use. Please follow directions.

POST-OP RECALL VISITS:

• 1-week suture removal. At this appointment, we will remove the sutures that were placed during the apicoectomy. Initial healing will be assessed.
• 1-month tissue check. At this appointment, we will assess healing with the tissue.
• 6-month recall. At this appointment, we will take a CBCT (3D scan) and periapical x-ray to assess bone healing.
   

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at (605) 791-5900.