Post-Op Instructions
- Care after Root Canal
- Care after Extractions
- Care after Laser Surgery
- Care after LANAP – [PDF] | [DOC]
Care After Root Canal Treatment
Upon finishing root canal therapy, your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be tender for several days as a result of manipulation and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and should not cause any concern. You do not want to chew on the affected side until the root canal is completed and your tooth is permanently restored by Dr. Marcus, unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Marcus. Your regular dental hygiene regime may be continued.
Your discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or a prescription medication given to you by Dr. Marcus. Please note that alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. If you experience any discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or if swelling develops, please contact our office immediately. The office phone is answered all day and night. If you do need to call after business hours, please have your pharmacy number ready.
Once the endodontic treatment has been completed, it will be sealed with a temporary restoration. Another appointment(s) will be needed to place a protective restoration on your tooth to protect it from fracture and decay.
Care after Extractions
The follow up care recommended by your dentist is there for your benefit and comfort. Please follow all instructions and let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Continue to bite on the gauze pad for 30 to 60 minutes following surgery. Do not rinse your mouth or spit for the first day. This could dislodge the blood clot, lead to more bleeding, and delay healing. If there is anything in your mouth that you do not want to swallow, you may bend your head forward and passively empty your mouth. The next day you may begin to rinse with a salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon salt to one quart of cold water) to freshen your mouth. Diluted mouthwash may be used, as well. Do not neglect your oral hygiene. Brush your teeth as usual, but gently. Try to limit brush contact with the gum/tissue, especially where there are sutures. Pain in the ear, limitation in opening the mouth, and some discoloration of the skin may occur. Do not be disturbed as these conditions may normally occur following oral surgery. However, if any of these conditions make you uncomfortable or if you are not sure if something is normal, please call us.
Bleeding
Some oozing of blood during the first 12-24 hours is normal following most surgical procedures, however excessive bleeding should be controlled. Fold two pieces of sterile gauze in half twice and lightly dampen. Make sure the pad is directly over the surgical site and apply firm pressure, holding for 20 minutes by closing teeth together. Repeat, if necessary. Keep your head elevated. If the bleeding does not subside, call our office for further instruction. Under no circumstances should you go to sleep while biting on gauze as it could be swallowed or become lodged in your throat.
Pain
For mild discomfort we recommend taking non-prescription analgesics, such as Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, etc. Take these as directed on the label. Do not exceed manufacturer’s recommended maximum daily dosage. If you feel you need a prescription pain medication, please contact our office.
Swelling
Some swelling may occur following oral surgery. To minimize this, apply a cold compress to the affected side of the face at 5 minute intervals (5 minutes on, 5 minutes off) for the first 24-48 hours. If swelling persists beyond 72 hours, you may switch to a hot, damp compress, as needed. If swelling increases after this, stop the compresses and call our office.
Diet
Do not have any solid foods until the local anesthesia has completely worn off. Until then, you may have only cold liquids. For the first 48 hours, avoid carbonated drinks, the use of straws, hot liquids (coffee, tea, soup) and smoking. You should try to keep your diet relatively soft and cold for 48 hours following surgery. Some suggestions would be: milkshakes (with spoon, not straw), ice cream, pudding, yogurt, jello, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, hummus, rice, and baked fish. Rinse your mouth very gently after each meal.
Care after Laser Surgery
- Vitamins, dietary supplements, or medications may be prescribed to improve your overall health. Take any prescribed medication according to directions.
- Dental laser procedures result in little or no discomfort following surgery. Take prescribed pain medications according to instructions if needed.
- Carefully avoid chewing food in the areas of the mouth where the laser has been used. One of the most important results of laser surgery is the healing that occurs following the initial procedure. It is extremely important not to dislodge the tiny clots (scabs) that form in the gums.
- Daily Care:
- Brush the teeth by placing the bristles of the brush on the gums below the tooth and carefully rolling the bristles toward the tooth surface. Do not stick the bristles into the gums.
- Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth. During the first day drink liquids only. A liquid dietary supplement may be recommended.
- When flossing, carefully place the floss between the teeth and avoid pushing the floss under the gums until instructed to do so.
- During the first week, eat only soft foods. Do not chew where the surgery was performed.
- The length of time it takes for the gums to heal depends upon the severity of the disease. Most healing in the surface areas takes 2 – 4 weeks. Deeper pocket areas may take several months to completely heal.
