This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work. A doctor or staff member is available for consultation 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.
• Eat a full breakfast or lunch, as applicable.
• 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 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.
• If you can take ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), it does help reduce inflammation when taken pre-operatively. We recommend 600-800mg 2-4 hours before endodontic therapy.

What to Expect after Endodontic Surgery

• Place ice over area of surgery for 15-minute intervals, off and on for at least 4 to 6 hours. The longer the better. This will help prevent swelling and/or bruising. Do not lift your lip to look at the sutures. This may cause the sutures to loosen and tear. Sometimes a suture will loosen and come out a couple of days after the surgery. This is OK and no cause for alarm.
• Discontinue smoking for 24 hours
• Rinse the mouth with warm salt water as often as you can. This should be done after every meal. Brush your teeth as usual. Be very careful in the area where the surgery was done (no flossing in this area).
• Continue to eat well-balanced meals. Softer foods are recommended post surgically for your comfort. Avoid foods that are crunchy or spicy.
• Avoid commercial mouthwashes for the first 24 hours. These contain alcohol and may dissolve blood clotting. You may be given a prescription mouth rinse at our office. Use this as directed.
• If bleeding occurs, take a wet tea bag and place directly over the site and hold it there with mild pressure for 30 minutes. The tannic acid contained in the tea bag will promote clotting.
• You may be given antibiotics and/or pain medications, take these as directed.

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