Oral Surgery & Endodontics
ENDODONTIC THERAPY (ROOT CANAL TREATMENT)
When a tooth gets infected from decay or fractures in a chewing accident, it can be excruciating if not treated. Removing the nerve inside the tooth will relieve the pain and allow us to restore and save your tooth. We will determine how to deal with a problem tooth that requires endodontic therapy. We also work with several excellent specialists in complex cases.
PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS:
Root Canal Therapy
When you leave our office, you will most likely still be numb. You must be careful when eating or drinking as you could bite your lip, scald your mouth, or crack your tooth with excessive chewing force. Furthermore, the filling in your tooth (temporary or permanent) may not be entirely hard by the time you exit.
Thus, we recommend you avoid chewing on your tooth while you are numb. Due to inflammation and bruising, your tooth may be sore for up to two weeks. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until all soreness is gone. As in all dental procedures, understand that it takes time for tissues to heal. If you are not prescribed medication, take two ibuprofen, Tylenol, or aspirin every 4-6 hours to keep inflammation to a minimum. If you receive a prescription, have it filled and take it as directed.
Don't hesitate to contact our office if you have swelling or pain not controlled by your medication.
Extractions
Following an extraction, bite down firmly on the gauze for one hour. Then remove the gauze, and do not replace it. If still bleeding, replace with new gauze every 20 minutes.
If you would like, you may apply ice to your face until noon the day after surgery. Doing so will help minimize the swelling. If the swelling does occur, begin heat two days after surgery.
It is usual for your spit to have a red color for 18-24 hours. Place an old towel over your pillow to protect it.
If bleeding persists, bite firmly on a wet tea bag for one hour.
After the numbness wears off, you may eat anything as soon as you like, except sharp food (potato chips, popcorn, and pizza crust), which could cut your gums. DO NOT eat this food for 3-4 days after the procedure.
Wait to wash your mouth or swish until the day after the procedure. To help alleviate the bad taste, mix 1/2 mouthwash and 1/2 water.
You may brush your teeth and floss immediately except in the area(s) of tooth removal.
Use saltwater rinses the day after surgery to help remove the puffiness in your gums. Use 1/2tsp of Epsom salt or 2-3tsps of table salt with 8-10oz of warm water. Repeat 10-12 times per day.
Take pain pills as prescribed if needed. Begin the antibiotics, if prescribed, when you get home. The following day takes two extra-strength aspirin, Tylenol, or 3 Advil every 4-6 hours.
If you have been sedated, do not drive a car or participate in activities that may result in injury until the next day.
It is not uncommon for impacted teeth to be intimately associated with nerves as they course through the jaws. Despite careful teeth removal, there may be some post-operative numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue on rare occasions.
To help reduce the soreness after surgery, it is best not to smoke for 3-4 days.
Persons taking birth control should be aware that antibiotics may interfere with their efficiency.
For emergencies, call us today at 615-327-4257.
