We will make every effort to accommodate you on a timely basis. Although punctuality is a priority in our practice, unexpected emergencies may occasionally lead to delays. We appreciate your patience and understanding should this occur. Please arrange your schedule to allow for a possible delay at our office.
Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable. Also, if you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic pre-medication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, hip or cardiac prosthesis, or rheumatic heart disease, please call our office for instructions before the day of your scheduled visit. Please bring with you a list of all medications you are taking. At each visit to our office, report any changes in your health status.
Bring all referral information in your possession (referral note, x-rays etc.) to the initial visit.
If radiographs have been forwarded to our office, please confirm our receipt.
If you anticipate using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation please advise us in advance.
All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Please do not hesitate to call the office where your visit will take place if you have any questions.
Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm.
Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist.
You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact us immediately.
The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.
After completion of endodontic treatment, the root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface, or crown, is sealed with a temporary restoration. The permanent restoration must be replaced by your general dentist to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment within several weeks after your final visit to our office. A complete report of treatment will be sent to your doctor.
In order to obtain the desired result from therapy and minimize swelling and discomfort, please follow these instructions:
DO NOT take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-flammatory drugs (Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Dolobid, etc.) for one (1) week prior to surgery. These drugs prolong bleeding and potentiate swelling.
If your medical doctor has prescribed any of the above medications or any anticoagulants please let us know so that we may discuss it with your MD.
Remember to have a light meal e.g. breakfast if surgery is in the morning or lunch if in the afternoon. This is especially important for those patients who have low blood sugar, are on diabetic medication or have been dieting.
Avoid coffee, tea or other beverages containing caffeine the entire day of surgery.
Avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 2 days before and 4 days after surgery. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, which may result in bleeding, swelling and/or pain.
Do not wear contact lenses to your surgical appointment.
Wear loose comfortable clothing. Do not use makeup.
Take all prescribed medications as directed. Antibiotics, unless advised otherwise, are normally taken with a full glass of water on an empty stomach 1/2-1 hour before meals or 2 or more hours after eating. Pain medication should be taken with food to minimize nausea. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery, while under the influence of prescription pain medication e.g. codeine, narcotics, etc.
Good oral hygiene promotes healing. Ensure that you have brushed and flossed your teeth prior to your surgical visit. If your gums bleed or you have difficulty flossing the area please arrange for your dentist to clean your teeth prior to surgery.
It is recommended (but not essential) that someone accompanies you to the surgical visit to assist with transportation home afterwards.
Make sure you have a reusable ice pack and anti-bacterial mouthwash (Listerine etc.) available for use after surgery.
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS AFTER ENDODONTIC SURGERY
To Control Swelling
Try to keep your mouth at rest for the remainder of the day. Upon reaching home, place an ice pack or frozen moistened washcloths over the affected area 20minutes on and 20 minutes off and repeat for the balance of the day. As ice prevents swelling but does not reduce it, apply it as soon as possible after the surgery. Do not continue using the ice pack after the day of surgery.
Keep the inside of your mouth cold with ice water or chipped ice for the rest of the day.
Avoid hot foods or drinks e.g. soup, coffee etc. and do not place heat on the side of your face.
Keep your head elevated the first two nites after surgery by sleeping on two pillows.
To Control Bleeding
Do not rinse for 4-6 hours after surgery.
Avoid medications that promote excessive bleeding e.g. aspirin, anticoagulants.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 2-3 days.
Should bleeding occur, place a small, moist, folded gauze or a slightly moist teabag over the area and apply light pressure for approximately 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
To Control Pain
Discomfort may be more severe especially if surgery has been extensive. Two hours after surgery take 2 ibuprofen (Advil) plus 1 extra-strength Tylenol and repeat every 4 hours for 48 hours. If you cannot take ibuprofen, take two extra-strength Tylenol every 4 hours for 48 hours.
If this regimen does not relieve the discomfort, please fill the prescription given to you or call the office.
Diet
A cold liquid diet is recommended for the balance of the day (e.g. milkshakes, ice-cream, yogurt, nutriment, instant breakfast etc.) Avoid hot food and drink.
The day after surgery gradually resume your normal diet starting with soft foods e.g. scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, fish, Jell-O etc. Avoid foods that are hard, hot, spicy or salty.
Limit alcohol intake and smoking for at least 48 hours to aid the healing process.
Oral Hygiene
It is important to keep your mouth clean. Brush and floss those teeth where surgery was not performed. DO NOT BRUSH in the surgical area.
Rinse gently starting before bedtime the day of surgery. Thereafter, rinse twice a day with a teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water for 30 seconds and twice per day with an anti-bacterial mouthwash (e.g. Listerine) for 30 seconds.
General Information
Some swelling and discoloration of the face with restricted jaw movement are expected after surgery, especially on the second and third days. This should disappear in about 3-5 days.
In some cases a biopsy may be taken of the infected tissue and sent to an oral pathology laboratory for examination. Any additional fees for this service will be billed directly to you by the laboratory.
If any problem or question should arise, please call our office (914-946-2218). The telephone is monitored at all times.