Post-Op Procedures

If root canal therapy has been initiated, please be sure to schedule an additional appointment(s) at our office for the completion of your treatment.

If you receive a temporary filling as part of your initial treatment, it is best to ‘stay off’ that tooth to prevent discomfort and give it time to heal. The tooth will remain fragile until it is completely restored at your follow up appointment.

While you are anaesthetized (frozen) you will not have feeling in the area, please avoid eating or drinking anything hot as you may not feel the heat and may burn yourself.

It is important to avoid pressure or chewing on the tooth (teeth) that has been treated, in order to decrease the risk of fracture, until you have seen your regular dentist for a permanent restoration to be placed.

Some patients will experience discomfort on the tooth that has been treated. This may last anywhere between 7 to 10 days.

Swelling in the affected area could also occur.

These are not unusual post-operative events.

Please continue with any medications prescribed, unless instructed otherwise by the doctor. Notify our office of any problems that may arise due to the medications you are taking.

• Immediately apply the ice pack that is provided to you and hold in place for half an hour.
• Continue to ice the area for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off until bedtime. In the morning, ice the area for an additional two hours. A package of frozen vegetables will work well for this as it will mold to the shape of your face.
• Please DO NOT apply the ice pack directly to your skin; rather, use a paper towel to prevent irritation to the skin.

Some swelling, bruising and moderate discomfort is completely normal after surgery. These typically begin about 24 hours after surgery and increase for 48 hours, then gradually subside. Follow the instructions below to minimize and alleviate discomfort:

• Sleep with your head in an elevated position using an extra pillow, for the first couple of nights after surgery.
• For discomfort, use extra strength Tylenol every 4-6 hours as required, as long as you are not allergic to it. Do not use aspirin products.
• For discomfort of a more intense nature, use the medications that have been prescription provided for you. Always take antibiotics and any other medications as directed.

Please wait a full 24 hours after surgery before rinsing your mouth. 24 hours after surgery you may rinse after each meal or snack and before retiring at night. Follow these instructions for rinsing:

• Use one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Continue this until your post-surgical visit 7-14 days later.
• No mouth wash is to be used during this time (as it is very irritating) but an antibacterial rinse may be prescribed by the doctor if necessary.

Keep food away from the surgical site. It is important to maintain proper nourishment.

Stick to a soft food diet for the day of and the day after surgery. Avoid hot foods while the surgical site is still frozen, as this may burn your mouth.

Warm foods may be eaten once the freezing has worn off.

• Refrain from smoking during the first 48 hours as well as minimizing its frequency during the healing phase.
• No strenuous exercise for 48 hours after surgery.
• No drinking of alcoholic beverages while taking the prescribed medication.
• Keep talking and facial movements to a minimum during the first day and refrain from lifting your lip in order to look at the surgical site.

• Maintain your normal oral hygiene program of brushing and flossing, except in the surgical site until your post-surgical visit.
• Periodic (3-4 times daily) salt water rinses and gently running a wet Q-tip over the surface of the teeth in the surgical site (wait 48 hours after surgery before using the Q-tip) will maintain hygiene in the surgical site.
• Note: If your sinus was involved during surgery (the doctor and staff will inform you) please refrain from blowing your nose. Please use a nasal decongestant spray to prevent congestion. If blood is seen through the nose, this is not unusual and will subside within 48 hours. If excessive bleeding is seen, please inform the office.