Post-operative advice for surgical endodontic treatment (apectomy)

To facilitate healing, it is recommended to follow these few tips:

• Continue taking painkillers until the local anaesthetic has worn off, and take them as prescribed.
• To reduce swelling, place ice on the face over the surgical site for 15-20 minutes every hour until bedtime.
• Avoid lifting the lip to examine the wound, as this may cause tension and loosen the sutures.
• Do not rinse your mouth or spit on the day of the operation. The next day, the mouthwash provided should be used as recommended to keep the area clean until your follow-up visit.
• Do not brush the teeth that have been treated until the follow-up visit, but brush the other teeth normally from the day after the procedure. Do not floss treated teeth until the stitches have been removed.
• Rest for the first 48 hours and avoid physical exertion to prevent bleeding from the wound.
• If you notice bleeding, gently place a moist compress over the wound and keep it under good pressure for about twenty minutes, then replace the compress if necessary, if bleeding persists.
• Diet should be semi-solid; avoid chewing near the surgical site and on the treated tooth. Eat nutritious foods that are not too difficult to chew, such as eggs, pasta or fish. Do not eat hot or spicy foods for 2-3 days.
• Do not smoke for at least 3 days after surgery.

In the days following surgery, it is normal to observe:

• Swelling: normally peaks 48-72 hours after surgery, then diminishes. If swelling continues to progress 72 hours after surgery and pain is still significant, contact us as you will probably need to take antibiotics.
• Coloration: blue, black or yellow; will disappear on its own, but may persist for ten days.
• Saliva may be tinged pink for the first 24 hours.
• Discomfort, especially with chewing and pressure.

It is important to see you again 5-10 days after your surgery to remove stitches and assess healing.