Home Care Instructions

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.

FOLLOWING ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

While a tooth will no longer be sensitive to hot or cold, some soreness, especially to biting, is normal. This may last a few days to a few weeks, depending on the tooth. We recommend ibuprofen (i.e., Advil™, Motrin™) Tylenol™, or aspirin for this. Chewing on the tooth should be avoided until sensitivity subsides.

A temporary filling or build-up will be placed in the tooth and an appointment should be made with the general dentist as soon as possible for a permanent restoration/crown. If medications are prescribed, they should be taken as directed.

FOLLOWING A SURGICAL PROCEDURE

After surgery, patients are provided with a post surgical kit. This includes sterile gauze, Peridex mouthwash, cotton tip applicators and cold packs.

A cold pack should be applied for 15-20 minutes over the surgical area on the outside of the face. When home, a cold pack should be applied 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off for several hours. This is not mandatory but helps keep the swelling to a minimum. Slight oozing from an incision is normal, but hemorrhaging should be reported immediately.

The lip should not be lifted, as it is possible to pull sutures and delay healing.

A normal diet can be resumed, avoiding hot liquids for 24 hours. The teeth may be brushed normally, but gently in the suture area.

Resting or sleeping should be done with the head elevated, above heart level, for the first 48 hours.

After 24 hours, the mouth should be rinsed gently with warm salt water following meals (1 glass of water with ½ teaspoon of salt).

Aerobic activities should be avoided for 24-36 hours.

If medications are prescribed, they should be taken as directed.

NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately.

The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.

If you have any questions, please call our office.