Patient Instructions

These instructions are for your safety. If you should have any questions, please call us.

Food, Drink, and Smoking

Do not eat or drink anything within 6 hours before your surgery appointment (no liquids including water, chewing gum, or solid food of any kind). If you have eaten within 6 hours of your surgery the intravenous anesthesia used could cause nausea and vomiting during the procedure creating serious complications that can be fatal.

Smoking causes vasoconstriction and will delay healing. Do not smoke prior to the procedure.

Medications

Required medications should be brought with you the morning of surgery and will be given to you by your doctor.

Transportation

It is required that a responsible family member or friend drive you to your appointment, stay in the waiting area until your surgery is completed (or be available within 5 minutes), and then drive you home.

This person must report with you to the doctor prior to the surgery and should be prepared to spend the entire morning at the clinic. If you do not bring someone with you, you will not be treated.

TO HELP WITH YOUR RECOVERY, PLAN ON HAVING A RESPONSIBLE ADULT STAY WITH YOU AT HOME FOR ABOUT 6 HOURS AFTER THE SURGERY.

Minors

Any person under the age of 18, who is not an emancipated minor must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must sign a consent to treatment.

Clothing, Makeup, and Valuables

Wear comfortable, loose clothing, and low-heeled shoes. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home. Our clinic is not responsible for any loss or damage of personal items.

Eye makeup, lipstick, nail polish, or other cosmetics should not be worn. Contacts should be removed.

If you are not feeling well, have a fever, or cough please call us at Richmond Hill Phone Number Richmond Hill Phone Number Richmond Hill Phone Number 912-756-5960 to discuss your status.

• Have your escort take you home and rest for the remainder of the day.
• Have an adult stay with you until you’re fully alert.
• Don’t perform any strenuous or hazardous activities and don’t drive a motor vehicle for the next 24 hours.
• Don’t eat a heavy meal immediately. If you’re hungry, eat something light, e. g. liquids and toast.
• If you experience nausea, lie down for a while or drink a glass of water.
• Don’t drink alcohol for the rest of the day.
• Take medications as directed by your dentist.

If you have any unusual problems, please call our office at Richmond Hill Phone Number Richmond Hill Phone Number Richmond Hill Phone Number 912-756-5960.

This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work. Don’t hesitate to call if a question should arise after your treatment.

• Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician.
• 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 had rheumatic heart disease, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic the day of your appointment.
• If you can take ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), it does help reduce inflammation when taken pre-operatively. We recommend 2 tablets of either medication 2-4 hours before endodontic therapy.

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days after treatment from the procedure and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm.

Do not chew excessively 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, Motrin), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.

After endodontic treatment, the root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer access is closed with a temporary restoration. A permanent restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment. A complete treatment report and x-rays will be sent to your restorative dentist. Included with your endodontic treatment is a follow-up examination to evaluate your healing progress. This appointment will require only a few minutes and is included as part of your initial treatment. Make sure to follow up with your regular dentist to have your tooth’s final restoration within two weeks.

How do I take care of myself after a root canal therapy?

Postoperative discomfort is sometimes experienced after a treatment visit. This is due to irritation of the bone surrounding the tooth and may range from a mild discomfort in the area to an occasional episode of considerable pain. This discomfort will usually maximize in approximately 48-72 hours and then subside. Please avoid chewing on the treated tooth for a few days.

If a throbbing sensation occurs please keep your head elevated as much as possible and place extra pillows under your head when lying down. Avoid as much as possible any strenuous activity as well.

If your tooth has been left open to aid in drainage of an infection, please place cotton in your tooth as directed. Do not leave the cotton in the tooth between meals.

If swelling of the gum is present or should appear after a treatment visit, please rinse the area every 1-2 hours with a solution of warm salt water prepared by adding a teaspoon of salt to an 8 oz. glass of warm water.

If swelling of the face is present or should appear, apply an ice pack to the area for 5 minutes every 1/2 hour.

If antibiotic medication has been prescribed please take it as indicated until you have finished ALL of the medication. If you encounter any difficulty in breathing or a skin rash, or gastric disturbance should occur, please discontinue the medication and call the office.

If medication for pain has been prescribed , please take it as indicated. It is important to bear in mind that narcotic medications such as Codeine, Vicodin, Percodan and Demerol may make you drowsy. Therefore, caution should be exercised in operating any potentially dangerous machinery or an automobile.

For any additional questions, please do not hesitate to call our office. Remember to follow up with your general dentist to get a crown placed, if you were told you need one.

In order to optimize treatment, swelling and discomfort please follow these instructions prior to your surgery:

• Avoid taking aspirin or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. ie; Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Dolobid, etc. 3-5 days prior to surgery. If these medications or any other anticoagulants have been prescribed to you by your physician advise us at the time of your consultation so we may discuss this with your MD.
• Please rinse with the antibacterial mouth rinse prescribed starting 2 days prior to surgery.
• DO NOT wear contact lenses the day of surgery.
• Remember to have a light breakfast and wear loose & comfortable clothing.
• DO NOT drink caffeinated drinks the day of the surgery.
• DO NOT drink alcoholic beverages 2 days prior to surgery and 4 days after your surgery. Alcohol can cause excess bleeding & swelling/pain.
• Take all prescribed medications as directed, unless you have been told otherwise. DO NOT drive or operate machinery while under the influence of prescription pain medication ie; narcotics.

How do I take care of myself after an apicoectomy?

After your treatment, as with any surgery, you may or may not notice some temporary discomfort or inconveniences. That’s why we’ve compiled the following list of way to minimize those concerns. Please remember that these suggestions are not requirements in all cases, and some may not apply at all to your individual situation. We will see you in one week to evaluate healing and to remove sutures (if applicable). Should any difficulties arise in the meantime, please do not hesitate to call our office at any time – day, night or weekend.

You will be given these written instructions when you leave the office after the surgery.

• Immediate Ice. As soon as possible, apply an ice pack to the surgical area. Then, from the end of your surgery until bedtime, keep the pack on for 20 minutes, then off for 20 minutes.
• For a few hours, it’s best for you to relax in a slightly inclined resting position, such as in a reclining chair, rather than allowing yourself to lie completely horizontally in bed.
• The morning following your surgery, you may want to re-apply an ice pack for a few hours.
• Heat is Hazardous. As a general rule, you should avoid applying any heat to the outside of your face in the surgical area.
• No strenuous exercise should be performed for 3 days following surgery.
• Alleviate Aches. We recommend using motrin as needed for any post-surgery discomfort. Although most people find motrin to be extremely effective, you should call the office if you have discomfort beyond what motrin can take care of. We can prescribe a stronger medication. In order to prevent tearing of the sutures and not retard healing, DO NOT RAISE YOUR LIP TO LOOK AT THE TREATED AREA.

Surgical Swelling

Any injury produces a normal and natural amount of swelling. And it’s natural for your body to respond to the surgery as it would to a minor injury. The good news is that the swelling initially helps carry healing materials and repair cells to the surgical site, as you rest and follow your doctor’s other post-surgery recommendations. You may notice a slight increase in swelling after you’ve been asleep. However, it’s nothing to be concerned over: it’s a natural reaction and will subside in a few hours.

• Supplementary Sleep. Following your surgery, you’ll find that sleep works wonders for body, mind and spirit. Get as much rest as you can.
• Stop Smoking. Please do not smoke after your surgical procedure. This is critical as a means of allowing proper blood clot formation and subsequent healing.
• Avoid Alcohol. It’s very important that you consume NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES while taking medications! Alcohol and pain pill, tranquilizers or sleeping pills do NOT mix. Furthermore, alcoholic beverages tend to cause dehydration, which slows healing.
• Brushing. Of course, you’ll need to continue your healthy hygiene habits, including brushing your other teeth. However, be careful to avoid the surgical area with your brush. Instead, you may clean it with a cotton-tipped applicator. Use the prescription mouth wash that was given to you.
• Eat for Energy. Although we suggest waiting for a couple of hours before eating, you’ll need to provide your body with proper nutrition and hydration to ensure efficient healing. Your tissues will repair faster if you eat foods high in protein, and drink a large quantity of liquid than you think you need (orange juice, broth, water, or milk for example). If it’s hard to chew, you’ll find a wide variety of liquid hi-protein complete nutrition drinks available in most grocery stores. At any rate, you’re free to resume your normal diet as soon as you can do so without discomfort.
• Continue taking any prescription drugs as directed.

In some cases a biopsy of the infected tissue might be necessary. This will be sent to an oral pathology lab for examination. Any additional fee for this service will be billed directly to you by the laboratory. Please provide your medical insurance information.

Basic Bleeding

It’s quite common to have a small amount of bleeding for a few hours following your surgery. It’s quite simple to control minor bouts of bleeding by applying firm pressure to the area with a gauze pack or tea bag and your thumb. Of course, if you’re concerned or need help, please call our office.

Rare Reactions

If you develop a rash, hives, itching, unusual swelling, etc., immediately DISCONTINUE any MEDICINE that we gave you and contact our office.

Stray Sutures or Stitches

DO NOT BE ALARMED if, after a few days, one of your sutures or stitches should come out or get lost. This will not typically affect the healing process. It’s not uncommon for the skin in the surgical area to be discolored, although this is normal and temporary.