Home Care After Endodontic Surgery

Instructions Following Root Canal Surgery

1. Apply ice (in plastic bag or ice pack) to face, 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. Repeat all day today. This will help to keep swelling to a minimum.
   
2. Discoloration may appear following the surgery and will gradually disappear. If swelling occurs, it will reach its peak by the 4th day.
   
3. Slight bleeding can be expected during the first day of surgery. If excessive bleeding occurs place a wet tea bag inside the mouth at the surgical area and press firmly on OUTSIDE of cheek for ½ hour. Keep head elevated. If bleeding persists, call the office.
   
4. Do NOT raise the lip to look at operated area. It is possible to tear the stitches accidentally, open the incision and delay healing.
   
5. Do NOT brush teeth in the surgical area with a toothbrush. Use a cotton swab to brush teeth in surgical area. Do NOT use a rotary toothbrush or water pik for 7 days after surgery.
   
6. Eat a soft diet; mashed potatoes, yogurt, hamburgers, fruit juices, eggs, malted milk, ice cream etc. Use a vitamin supplement if desired. Avoid hard foods or other chewy food (steak, toast) until sutures come out.
   
7. Drink plenty of cold liquids. If possible, avoid hot drinks and soup for the first 24 hours. Do NOT drink through a straw.
   
8. Starting the day after your surgery, use a warm salt-water rinse (½ glass of water, ½ teaspoon salt; repeat this 4 or 5 times a day for 2 weeks) or the prescribed mouth rinse (follow directions on bottle), whichever your doctor has prescribed. Rinse gently.
   
9. If there is pain, take prescription as directed or you can use an over-the-counter medication (i.e. one 600 mg. Ibuprofen or three over-the-counter 200 mg Ibuprofen every six hours).
   
10. Return to the office as pre-arranged by appointment, approximately 7 days after surgery.
    
11. If any unusual symptoms develop, please contact our office for advice or further instructions.