|
Following Root Canal Therapy
Your
root canal has now been completed. The canals have been cleaned and
sealed. Your body must now have time to repair the tooth and it's
surrounding area.
It
is normal for the tooth to be very sore for the first few days, and
it may remain sensitive to biting pressure for up to six
weeks. Three Advil (600 mg total) every four hours will usually
relieve the soreness. If the discomfort is more severe, please let
us know so that we may prescribe an appropriate medication. If pain
persists or increases, or swelling develops, please contact the office.
Antibiotics
are generally not required following root canal therapy. Your doctor
will prescribe them when indicated.
Do
not chew on the tooth until all tenderness is gone.
If
the treated tooth hurts when you close your teeth together, keep a spacer
such as a cotton roll or piece of gauze between your teeth, on the
opposite side. This will prevent you from bumping the sore tooth,
and allow it to heal.
A
temporary has been placed in your tooth. You should now return to
your dentist, who will place the appropriate final restoration. Do
not chew on your treated tooth until it has been properly restored by your
general dentist. There is a high risk of fracturing the tooth.
Please
phone us to schedule a 6 month recall appointment.
DIRECTIONS
FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT
For Mild to
Moderate Discomfort:
Take
600 mg. of Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) every 4 hours. Take this
medicine at exactly 4 hour intervals.
For
Moderate to Severe Pain:
-
For
severe pain, begin with 600 mg. Ibuprofen.
-
Two
(2) hours later take one Vicoden E.S.
(or two (2) Tylenol #3)
-
Two
hours later take another 600 mg. Ibuprofen.
-
Two
hours later take another Vicoden E.S.
(or two (2) Tylenol #3)
-
Continue
this alternating shedule of one medication every two (2) hours.
-
NEVER
exceed any 1 medication sooner than every four (4) hours.
-
You
may discontinue the medication as discomfort decreases
-
If
you experience any reaction from the medications which appear to be
abnormal, stop the medication and give our office a call.
Back
to Top
Following an Extraction
-
Bleeding:
A certain amount of
bleeding is to be expected following the extraction of a
tooth. Maintain pressure on the initial gauze placed over your
wound for thirty minutes. If bleeding occurs after you return
home, place a moistened tea bag directly over the socket for at least
10 minutes, holding it in place with moderate biting pressure.
If bleeding continues, repeat. Do not smoke for 24 hours.
Forceful spitting and excessive physical activity tend to increase and
prolong bleeding. Resting in a semi-reclining position for the
first few hours is highly recommended.
-
Pain:
Take your pain medication as directed.
-
Rinsing:
DO NOT RINSE your mouth for 24 hours following extraction. It is
important to avoid rinsing the blood clot away from the extraction
site. After 24 hours you may rinse with salt water 4 or 5 times
a day for several days (1/2 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm
water). After 24 hours you may gently brush your teeth, avoiding
the extraction site for several days.
-
Swelling:
To help minimize ordinary postoperative selling, apply an ice pack to
the face over the area of the extracted tooth for a least 8
hours. Place the ice pack on for twenty minutes, followed by a
twenty minute break, and repeat.
-
Diet:
It is important to maintain a good diet and remain well hydrated following
your extraction. A liquid to soft diet is advisable for the
first two (2) days. This includes such things as applesauce,
soup, pudding, Jell-O, spaghetti, ice cream, malts, etc. You
should drink at least 8 glasses of liquid per day.
-
Unusual
Complications:
Feel free to contact us if any concerns arise regarding your recovery.
Back
to Top
Following a Surgical Procedure
-
Avoid
strenuous activity for the remainder of the day. Smoking and
alcohol consumption should be avoided for three days.
-
For the
first 48 hours eat soft foods only and drink lots of fluids. In
addition to fruit juices, soups and other soft foods, liquid food
supplements are recommended. (Example: Sego, Slender, SlimFast,
etc.)
-
Avoid
facial manipulation as much as possible. Do not raise the lip or
retract the cheeks to inspect the surgical site as you may dislodge
the sutures (stitches).
-
Some
oozing of blood from the surgical site is normal during the day and
evening of the surgery. Swelling and discoloration (bruising)
sometimes follows surgery. To minimize this, apply an ice bag
alternately 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for 6 to 8 hours following
the surgery.
-
Do
not brush in the operated area for 5 days.
-
Take
all medications as directed.
-
You
will be instructed as to whether your sutures will dissolve on their
own or if you should return to our office for suture removal.
-
Rinse
with one tablespoon of chlorhexidine (Peridex) mouthwash twice each
day for 7 days following surgery.
-
Should
any complications arise, please do not hesitate to call.
Back
to Top
Your Tooth is Open to Drain
Brush
your teeth normally but avoid chewing on the open tooth until your next
appointment.
To
keep it clean, rinse vigorously with warm water after eating.
If
medication has been prescribed, take as directed.
If
you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact our office
at any time.
Back
to Top
Following a Pulpotomy
A
small incision has been made in the tissue over your tooth to allow
drainage of infection.
You
may experience some bleeding for the next few hours.
Avoid
heat or warm packs on the outside of your face.
Use
warm water rinses (1 glass of water with ½ teaspoon of salt) every 2
hours as needed.
If
medications are prescribed, take as directed.
If
you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact our office
at any time.
Back
to Top
Incision and Drainage
A
small incision has been made in the tissue over your tooth to allow
drainage of infection.
You
may experience some bleeding for the next few hours.
Avoid
heat or warm packs on the outside of your face.
Use
warm water rinses (1 glass of water with ½ teaspoon of salt) every 2
hours as needed.
If
medications are prescribed, take as directed.
If
you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact our office
at any time.
Back
to Top
Home
| About the Doctors |
Office Policies |
Common Questions |
Post Treatment
Patient Forms |
Referring Dentists |
Contact Us
|
