INFORMATION FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

The root canal has been completed and the roots have been permanently sealed with a filling material. Please do not eat on the treated side of your mouth for one hour. A temporary filling material that takes one hour to harden has been placed in the top of the tooth. If you experience discomfort when you bite down your “bite is high” and you will need to return to the office to have the bite adjusted. If this is not done, healing will be greatly delayed.

A prescription medication, Ibuprofen 600 mg. will be dispensed to you. Please take one tablet before the anesthetic wears off. Take an additional tablet every six hours until the medication is gone. Once the anesthetic wears off, your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be tender for several days. This tenderness is normal and is not cause for concern. In some cases it may take several weeks for nature to repair the irritation that was present in your tooth.

If you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled by the Ibuprofen, or should swelling develop please contact the office immediately. If you call after hours, please have the telephone number of your pharmacy available.

Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth until your general dentist covers your tooth with a permanent restoration or crown. Please follow your regular dental hygiene routine. A detailed report will be sent to your general dentist within the next few days. It is important for you to contact your general dentist as soon as possible so that he / she can begin placing the permanent restoration that needs to be placed on your tooth.

A follow-up examination will be needed to evaluate the healing progress of your tooth. This appointment will require only a few minutes and there is no fee for this evaluation. We will send you a postcard to remind you to call the office to schedule this appointment.

It was our pleasure to provide treatment to you. We hope your experience here at Escondido Endodontics has been an enjoyable one. Your comments or suggestions are always welcome.

SURGICAL AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

Gauze: Please remove the gauze that is in your mouth in one hour and dispose of it in the trash.

Discomfort: Some mild to moderate discomfort is not uncommon. A prescription medication, Ibuprofen 600 mg. will be dispensed to you. Please take one tablet before the anesthetic wears off. Take an additional tablet every six hours until the medication is gone. A second prescription for a narcotic pain medication will also be given. If the Ibuprofen is not sufficient enough to relieve your discomfort, have the second prescription filled and take that in addition to the Ibuprofen. Take only as instructed. Do not mix with alcohol, other medications, and use caution operating heavy equipment, or any motor vehicle.

Swelling: Most discomfort after a surgical procedure is due to swelling of the affected tissues. A good way to minimize swelling and the discomfort it causes is by using an ice pack. Place the ice pack on the area for 20 minutes, then remove it for 10 minutes. Repeat this cycle for a period of 3-4 hours.

Bleeding: Slight bleeding or oozing is normal for the first 24 hours. If bleeding persists or is excessive, please call.

Food: For your comfort, try to eat on the side opposite the surgery. Eat a soft diet (Jell-O, ice cream, pudding, yogurt, toast, or whatever feels comfortable) and drink plenty of fluids. If eating is difficult, a diet supplement (Nutrament, Slender) is recommended.

Brushing: Don't stop brushing, a clean mouth will heal faster. Use a soft brush in all areas except directly around the surgical site. After 24 hours, you may also use warm salt-water rinses to help keep your mouth clean.

Activity: Stay quiet for 24-48 hours. Avoid strenuous activity. This includes running, aerobics, weightlifting, etc.

Don'ts: Do not disturb the area. Do not lift up your lip to get a better look. Do not spit, smoke, or drink through a straw. Do not use any commercial mouth rinses, peroxide, or any "Waterpik" type devices.

Do: Please call tomorrow so we can make sure your feeling well and that everything is healing as it should. Please report any unusual symptoms such as excessive bleeding, swelling or elevated temperature immediately. You will also need to return for suture removal 3 to 4 days after surgery.

Problems: If you have any problems or questions, please do not hesitate to call as soon as possible.