Salem dentist, Dentist in Salem, VA

Post-Op Instructions (These are general post-op instructions for the following procedures. If you are having symptoms that are not covered here or have a dental emergency, please contact the office directly.)

Initial Root Canal or Retreatment

What to expect:

1. It is not uncommon for the tooth to be uncomfortable or even exhibit ache after treatment. This should subside within a few days, but may last up to a couple of weeks. This is due to the tooth and surrounding bone being slightly bruised.

2. Your tooth will be sensitive to biting pressure and may even appear to feel loose. This feeling is a result of the sensitivity of nerve-endings in the tissue just outside the end of the root, where we cleaned, irrigated, and placed a filler and sealer material.

3. You may feel a depression or rough area where our access was made. There is a soft, temporary material in the area, which may wear away to some degree before your visit to your general dentist.

4. Occasionally, a small bubble and/or pimple will appear on the gum tissue within a few days after the procedure. This represents the release of pressure and bacteria which no longer can be sustained around the tooth. This should disappear within a few days.

What to do:

1. It is best to refrain from eating for at least 1 hour before chewing food to allow the filling to harden.

2. DO NOT drink any hot liquids and avoid chewing food while your mouth is numb to prevent possible injury to your soft tissue.

3. You can rinse with warm salt water.

4. Whenever possible, try to chew on the opposite side from the tooth that was treated, until you have had the permanent restoration. Until that time, your tooth is weakened and could fracture.

5. Please avoid hard and chewy foods, which could fracture the tooth.

6. Take any medication prescribed to you by the doctor as this will eliminate any remaining infection in the tooth.

7. If you notice any of the following symptoms, please contact our office:

· Increasing tenderness or swelling in the area surrounding the tooth.

· A reaction to the medication

· Tooth fracture

· Swelling

Post-Op Instructions for Endodontic Surgery:

1. Maintain complete rest for the balance of the day.

2. Remain in an upright position for the next 2-3 hours.

3. Control swelling by using an ice bag over the surgical area, applying and removing at 15-minute intervals during the first 1-2 hours after surgery.

4. To aid the healing process, maintain a soft nutritious diet. Avoid crusty, hard, or spicy foods. Mouthwash is also to be avoided. Be sure to drink large amounts of liquids.

5. Have prescriptions filled and take as directed.

6. The following are expected and should cause no concern:

· Mild bleeding for 36-48 hours.

· Swelling within the first 24 hours.

· Mild discomfort

· Discoloration of the skin

7. Starting tomorrow morning, use salt water rinses after meals. Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water. Clean the teeth in the operated area with cotton-tipped applicators for several days, then brush carefully.

8. Should any difficulties or questions arise, do not hesitate to call.