EndoAsleep - Post Operative Instructions
Following Root-End surgery:
Swelling and Discomfort
You may still be frozen when you leave the office. Please avoid hot foods until the freezing has worn off so as to avoid burning your mouth. Ice packs may be utilized to help minimize swelling. You may place an ice pack at intervals of 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off for the first four hours following the procedure. Packaged frozen vegetables make a convenient ice pack. Do not apply heat to the face. Eat soft foods only for the first 24 hours following the procedure.
Oral Hygiene
Do not brush your teeth in the affected area on the first night. Avoid rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours as this may affect the healing process. Following this period, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. Rinsing should be done with salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in half a glass of water) for one week. Avoid using commercial mouthwashes such as Listerine as they may irritate the tissues.
You may be prescribed an antibacterial mouthrinse. This mouthrinse should be used twice a day for a 30 second period for a full week after the procedure. The mouth rinse may cause staining of your teeth and may affect the way your food tastes.
Healing
- Avoid strenuous activity for the first 48 hours following the procedure
- Spitting may disrupt the blood clot in your mouth. Avoid spitting
- Smoking can impair the healing process. Please refrain from smoking for 48 hours following the procedure
Stitches
Stitches are used to control bleeding. They will dissolve over four to five days. In certain instances, Dr. Moncarz will request that you return to the office to have the stitches removed.
Pain Control
It is better to avoid pain rather than to deal with it once it has presented. Dr. Moncarz may recommend that you take pain medications prior to the freezing wearing off. Various medications are used to control pain. Options for non-prescription pain medications include:
- Ibuprofen 600 mg every six hours (three 200 mg Advil or generic equivalent)
- Acetaminophen 1000 mg every four to six hours (two extra strength Tylenol)