Post surgery care is extremely important. Please read carefully.
Bleeding
Although sutures are placed at the end of the procedure a small amount of oozing is normal during the first day. A moistened gauze pad which will be provided for you may be placed at the surgical site. This may need to be replaced every hour for a few changes.
Swelling
Swelling is often seen following this type of surgery. The most common time for the development of swelling is from 24-48 hours following the procedure. The swelling usually begins to decrease after 48 hours and usually within one week no noticeable swelling is present. The help minimize swelling we recommend the use of ice for the first 24 hours. you should apply the ice for 20 minutes and remove it for 20 minutes. After the first 24 hours, ice is of little benefit.
Some discoloration of the skin tissues ma be noticed especially in the elderly population . Although this may be unsightly, it is of no concern and has no effect on the healing process and will resolve over time.
Pain
Some degree of discomfort following this procedure should be expected. The degree varies from patient to patient. Generally the worst discomfort will be in the first few hours after the local anesthetics have stopped working. The surgeon will always prescribe some medication for the control of this discomfort. We suggest after alight meal prior to the local anesthetic wearing off the prescribed medication is taken. This medication may be repeated as indicated and as needed. If only minor discomfort is present we recommend use of mild medication such as that used for the relief of headaches.Home Care
No manipulation of the area should be performed until the day after the surgery. We recommend soft or liquid foods for the first 24 hours and then for the first week you should avoid hard to chew foods or very spicy or extremely hot foods. After the first day we recommend warm salt water rinses especially following eating. The teeth not in the area ma be brushed normally; while those in the area along the sutures can be cleaned with a Q-tip or a sponge brush that will be provided.Antibiotics
The surgeon in almost all instances will prescribe a one week course of antibiotics. The antibiotic medication should be used exactly as prescribed and should be finished. If any reaction to the prescribed medication occurs such as itching, shortness of breath or stomach cramps, stop the medication and call the office.Follow up appointments
The first follow-up visit will be one week postoperatively, at which time the sutures will be removed. This visit is brief and no anesthetic is required. At approximately three weeks following surgery the second postoperative is scheduled at which time final inspection of the incision is performed and any problems the patient has encountered are discussed. The patient is then placed on a recall list for six month intervals, at which time a follow-up X-ray may be taken.Surgical Treatment
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. 2. Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable. 3. 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. 4. If you can take ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), it does help reduce inflammation when taken preoperatively. We recommend 2 tablets of either medication 2-4 hours before endodontic therapy.General Instructions
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. A follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. 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 this office immediately. The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.
Post surgery instructions are extremely important. It is imperative that these are followed exacty as often the outcome of the procedure is dependent on how much these instructions are followed. - Bruce Huberman, DMD
