Surgical Treatment
Before Treatment
- DO NOT drink alcohol two days prior to your appointment since it can cause excess bleeding and swelling.
- DO NOT take aspirin or non-steroidal medications such as Advil (ibuprofen, Motrin, Alleve) 3 days prior to your appointment. If you have been prescribed these medications or an anticoagulant by your physician, do not discontinue use. Please advise your endodontist prior to surgery.
- DO have a light breakfast or lunch.
- DO take all prescribed medication as directed.
After Treatment
- Avoid any strenuous activity for 48 hours.
- Avoid smoking as well as alcoholic, carbonated, and acidic beverages for 4 days following your surgery,
- You may notice some swelling or bruising. This is not an abnormal response as your body is bringing healing materials to the surgical site. Apply an ice pack that we will provide for you, alternating 10 to 20 minutes on and off. Continue this for 6 hours following your procedure to minimize swelling or bruising.
- In order to prevent disruption of initial soft-tissue healing, eat soft foods for the first 24 hours and do not pull up on your lip to view the surgical site.
- Do not aggressively brush your teeth near the surgical site. Scrub the surfaces of your tooth with a Q-tip dabbed in the prescribed mouthwash.
- You may notice some oozing of blood afterwards. This is normal, as long as it is not profuse bleeding. Your tongue is very sensitive and may make you think you are bleeding more than you are. During the first 24 hours, sleep with your head elevated with an extra pillow and line your pillow with an old towel in case of oozing from the surgical site. For minor bleeding, apply pressure with moist gauze provided or apply a tea bag to the affected area.
- Take all prescribed medication as advised.
- Plan to return to our office the following week for the removal of your sutures and to evaluate initial healing.