Some dental procedures require extra care after you leave the office. Please consult the following, if needed, as a reminder or supplement to the verbal and written instructions given to you at the end of your appointment.
Protection of blood clot: Gauze placed over a surgical area should be kept in place with biting pressure for at least one (1) hour. If bleeding continues, bite on fresh gauze for at least 30 minutes. Some bleeding ("oozing") is expected.
Do not use straws when drinking. Do not smoke or, if absolutely needed, do not smoke for at least 72 hours. Do not spit vigorously. Limit excessive physical activity and heavy lifting. Any of these actions can cause the blood clot to dislodge.
Do not rinse or use mouthwash for 24 hours following the procedure. After that 24-hour period, rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) a few times a day. Continue to brush daily, but be gentle around the surgical site. A clean mouth is essential for proper healing.
Prescription medication is rarely prescribed. Mild to moderate discomfort is often relieved by Advil or Tylenol. Unless your physician has instructed you otherwise or unless you have a history of adverse reactions, adults may take a maximum dose of two (2) 200 mg ibuprofen ("Advil") and two (2) 500 mg acetaminophen ("Tylenol") every four to six hours. Swelling, meanwhile, may occur for a few days following the procedure. Ice packs may be applied for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
Adequate food and fluid intake following procedures is important. Try to maintain your normal calorie intake. However, aim to eat soft foods for the next day or two. Instant breakfast, yogurt, scrambled eggs, soup, and smoothies are some examples. Try and avoid foods with small particulate (e.g., rice, oatmeal, etc.) that may enter the surgical site and disturb the blood clot. Try and eat on the opposite side of the mouth for at least the first 24 hours.
Continue to brush daily, but be gentle around the root canal site. A clean mouth is essential for proper healing. If you wish, you may choose to gently wipe the root canal site with a damp, clean cloth or paper towel.
Prescription medication is rarely prescribed. Mild to moderate discomfort is often relieved by Advil or Tylenol. Unless your physician has instructed you otherwise or unless you have a history of adverse reactions, adults may take a maximum dose of two (2) 200 mg ibuprofen ("Advil") and two (2) 500 mg acetaminophen ("Tylenol") every four to six hours. Swelling, meanwhile, may occur for a few days following the procedure. Ice packs may be applied for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
Adequate food and fluid intake following procedures is important. Try to maintain your normal calorie intake. However, aim to eat soft foods for the next day or two. Instant breakfast, yogurt, scrambled eggs, soup, and smoothies are some examples. Try and avoid crunchy foods, such as popcorn or fried foods, for the first few days. Try and eat on the opposite side of the mouth for at least the first 24 hours.