INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions following Root Canal Treatment

• A temporary white filling has been used to seal your root canal.

• Avoid eating for one hour after your treatment to allow the temporary filling to set hard.

• Avoid chewing on your tooth as it may be sore after treatment and to prevent any cracks from forming before your dentist places the permanent filling and crown.

• After treatment, the surrounding gum around your tooth may be sore for one or two days. Rinse with warm salt water or take1-2 tablets of regular Advil or extra strength Tylenol to ease the discomfort.

• If you experience any severe pain or swelling, contact our office.

• Once root canal treatment is complete, you must see your family dentist for a permanent filling and crown. Failure to place a permanent filling may result in re-infection of your root canal and or loss of your tooth.

• Continue all medications as prescribed by your physician before and the day of your scheduled surgery.

• Please inform Dr. Mary Dabuleanu if you are taking Aspirin daily or other known blood thinners (such as Coumadin or Plavix).

• The day of surgery, it is advisable that you eat normally and do not skip meals. Wear comfortable clothing.

• It is advisable that you take the day off of work for your scheduled surgery.

• Rinse your mouth with Peridex antibacterial mouthrinse twice a day, two days before your scheduled surgery.

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Instructions following Surgery

• Take pain medication as advised. Either 600 mg of Advil every 6 hours or 1-2 extra strength Tylenol every 4-6 hours for the first 24 hours. Afterwards, pain medication should be taken only as needed.

• You will be given an ice pack to place over the affected area. The ice pack should be applied on/off to the affected are for the next 8 hours following the surgery. A bag of frozen vegetables will substitute for the ice pack.

• Do not rinse your mouth, brush your teeth, suck through a straw or spit the first 24 hours after surgery. Do not lift your lip to examine the stitches during the week following your surgery.

• Use a Q-Tip dipped in Peridex antibacterial mouth rinse to keep the area clean, especially around the stitches.

• Drink plenty of liquids, and stick to a soft diet the week after surgery. Avoid food that is too hot.

• Refrain from any physical activity the day of surgery.

• Elevate your head with 2 pillows the night after surgery.

• If your experience any oozing from the affected area, apply 2 gauzes provided to you over the sutures and apply pressure to the area for 20 minutes. If bleeding persists, please call our office.

• Absolutely refrain from smoking during the next few days after surgery. Smoking will compromise healing and may lead to serious surgical complications.

• If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.