After Root Canal Surgery

Post Treatment Care after Endodontic Surgery 

  • Apply an icepack after procedure-keep on for 20 minutes then remove and place it in the freezer for 20 minutes. Continue this process for first 24 hours.
  • Carefully brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush. Avoid brushing directly over the surgical area. Rinse mouth with mouth rinse prescribed by your dentist.
  • Maintain good nutrition including soft foods to help in the healing process. Try soft foods (jello, yogurt, pudding, nutritional, liquid products-shakes) until you feel more comfortable chewing.
  • On the first night after surgery, sleep with head slightly elevated to help keep swelling down.
  • Starting the day after surgery, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day, will help soothe the area that has been treated. (Teaspoon of salt in 8 oz glass of warm water).
  • Some swelling, bruising, or blood from the surgical area can occur, therefore do not be alarmed. (Bleeding is common during the first 24 hours). Please call the Endodontist on call at 469-698-8282, if you have any unusual symptoms such as excessive swelling, bleeding, or increase in temperature.
  • Avoid tobacco products and alcohol the first couple of weeks after surgery.
  • Continue all prescribed medications.
  • Take 600mg of Ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, or Motrin), 3 times a day for four days. Take two Extra strength Tylenol every 4 hours if you are allergic to Ibuprofen. These may be taken at the same time as the pain medication.
  • A follow-up appointment will need to be scheduled a few days after your surgery for suture removal and post operative evaluation.
  • Stay away from hard crusty foods. Avoid hot foods and carbonated beverages.
  • Do not brush the surgery site. (You may have pink saliva for a few days following treatment).
  • Avoid rinsing the day of surgery. Do not use mouthwash, mouth rinse, and analgesics like Oragel or Ambesol. After 4 days you can resume using mouth wash.
  • Do not sleep or eat with gauze in your mouth.
  • Do not take medications on an empty stomach.
  • Do not operate heavy equipment.
  • Do not attempt strenuous exercise.
  • Do not consume alcoholic beverages as the interaction will amplify the effects of the alcohol.
  •  Do not smoke
  • Do not take Ibuprofen if you are allergic or have had an adverse reaction to it.