Post Surgery Instructions
Following Surgical Endodontics
- Apply an ice pack to the operated area the day of surgery until bedtime – 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. This is to help prevent swelling and soreness.
- Follow a cold soft diet the day of the procedure. After that time, chew on opposite side of the mouth. No toasted bread or other sharp foods.
- Do NOT brush near the operated area. Brush teeth in all other areas and the opposite side, starting the following day. Keep mouth as clean as possible. This will help healing.
- Do not flip lip or try to laugh. Speak as little as possible. Do not place tongue on sutures. This is to prevent pulling out sutures.
- Drink plenty of cold liquids, preferably fruit juices after procedure.
- Starting the morning after surgery, rinse with a warm salt-water solution. (Use one teaspoon of salt per 8-oz. glass of warm water). Hold the salt-water solution in the area for 5 seconds, empty, and continue until all of the solution has been used. Repeat as often as possible until sutures are removed. No other mouth rinses are to be used unless specified by your doctor (scope, peroxide, etc.).
- Rest as much as possible for the first 24 hours. Do not lie flat. Elevate the head with at least two pillows when lying down or at bedtime.
- There may be some swelling and bruising for 5 days. However, you should contact the office as soon as possible if you experience any of the following: uncontrollable pain, severe bleeding, marked temperature rise, inability to open mouth, or excessive swelling starting a few days after the operation.
- In some cases, a biopsy of the infected/inflamed tissue may be sent to an oral pathological laboratory for examination. Any additional fees for this service will be billed directly to you by the laboratory.
