The surgical procedure will be performed using local anesthesia

There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work. A doctor is available for consultation at all times 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.

Please 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 if you have 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.

Instructions for home care following Surgical Root Canal Treatment

• Swelling, minor pain, oozing, and/or skin discoloration may be experienced. This will be temporary. If the surgery was performed in the lower jaw, a tingling of the lower lip is possible due to stretching of the nerve supplying this area.
• In order to keep swelling to a minimum, use of an ice pack on the face over the operated area is recommended. The ice pack should be used alternately – 20 minutes on; 20 minutes off, for 6 hours following surgery. Place the ice pack in the freezer during the "off" time.
• Do not raise the lip with your fingers to inspect the treated area – you may pull out some of the stitches.
• Avoid hot liquids and eat only soft foods for the first 48 hours. Use your own judgement after this period, but avoid hard or chewy foods. until your next visit.
• Do not brush teeth near the operated area for 5 days after surgery. Be sure to brush the rest of your teeth. When resuming brushing, hold the brush between thumb and forefinger to control pressure.
• Starting tomorrow, use warm salt water rinses (1 teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water) on the treated area under the lip or cheek. This should be done 4 to 5 times a day, allowing for 1 minute of rinsing each time. Continue to rinse for the remainder of the week.
• Get plenty of rest and ensure normal intake of food, especially liquids such as fruit juices, soups and milk. Avoid alcohol.
• For pain use OTC analgesics (Advil, aspirin, Tylenol, etc.) every 4 to 6 hours unless you require the stronger prescription we may have written for you.
• The stitches we have placed will dissolve, but it is important that you return for a post-operative visit within 5 to 10 days.
• Should any difficulties or questions arise, do not hesitate to call this office at any time – day, night or weekend.