What to do: Apicoectomy
A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad between your lip or cheek and the tooth treated for 30 minutes. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids and exercise, and elevate the head. If active bleeding persists, call our office immediately. Expect some oozing for the first 24 hours.
Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 36 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.
For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Regular Strength Tylenol® (325 mg) may be taken every 6 hours (no more than 2600 mg in a 24-hour period). Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 3–4 tablets may be taken every 4–6 hours as needed for pain (no more than 3200 mg in a 24-hour period). Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. This may include patients with liver or kidney disease.
For severe pain, take the tablets prescribed as directed. (Please note: if this prescription has Tylenol® [APAP] in it, see the above paragraph.) The prescribed pain medicine may make you groggy and may slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If the pain does not begin to subside in 2–3 days, or increases after 3 days, please call our office.
If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms (except in the case of a rash).
Do not rinse your mouth for the first post-operative day or while there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm salt water rinse every 4 hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area (½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water). DO NOT rinse with peroxide, even if diluted.
Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods that are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet. Refrain from hot or spicy foods. Drink plenty of fluids.
The stitches at the surgical site will dissolve and fall out in 4–5 days.
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