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Post Care Instructions - Lexington Endodontics
Lexington County, South Carolina | 803.386.7442|info@lexendosc.com
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Post Care Instructions2023-07-03T10:03:13+00:00

Post Care Instructions

Root Canal2023-06-29T19:28:43+00:00

Patients excited after root canal.

Congratulations on successfully completing the procedure!

Now, to ensure the best outcome, here are some helpful tips for you to follow.

We recommend chewing on the other side of your mouth until your dentist can permanently restore your tooth. Teeth that have had a root canal are fragile and protecting your tooth from biting forces minimizes the risk that you will develop a crack. Additionally, your gum tissue will heal faster and the temporary filling will stay in place longer if you avoid biting on the tooth in question.

Your tooth was restored with a temporary filling so that your dentist can easily remove the material without a lot of drilling. If you are concerned that the filling has dislodged, either contact our office for a replacement or see your dentist for the permanent restoration.

When procedures are completed in infected teeth, swelling may occur. If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take as directed and finish the entire course. If an antibiotic was not prescribed, please contact our office.

*If significant swelling occurs and you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, please contact our office immediately and prepare to proceed to your nearest emergency room for additional treatment. While this situation rarely occurs, a compromised airway is considered a medical emergency and needs immediate attention.

Pain Management:2023-06-14T18:45:48+00:00

After a procedure, it’s not uncommon to experience tenderness in your tooth, gums, and/or jaw. This is a normal part of the healing process, and it’s important to give your body the time it needs to recover. To manage the tenderness, you might find it helpful to take over-the-counter pain medication.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s a good idea to contact our office for further guidance. We understand that it can be frustrating to experience discomfort after a procedure, but please know that this is completely normal. With a little patience and self-care, you’ll be feeling like yourself again in no time.

We recommend taking one 220 mg tablet of Aleve (naproxen) twice a day for two days. It is best to take this medication at breakfast and dinner, regardless of whether or not you are experiencing pain. This is because Aleve, like all NSAIDS, is anti-inflammatory and promotes healing. It is always easier to prevent pain from occurring than it is to stop/reduce pain after it is already present. After day two, you should evaluate your symptoms to determine if additional pain management is needed. If you find that your pain is not responding to the Aleve alone, you can also take 1000 mg of Tylenol (acetaminophen) at the same time or between doses. The combination of NSAIDS and Tylenol provides more pain relief than either medication alone.

We prefer Aleve over other NSAIDS like Advil (ibuprofen) because it lasts longer and requires you to take fewer pills.

However, you can take 600 mg of Advil (ibuprofen) three times a day for two days instead.  You just end up taking more pills, more often.

We like Tylenol too, but it doesn’t help with inflammation.  That is why we generally recommend taking 1000 mg of Tylenol with Aleve or Advil when you have episodes of more pain.

Aleve (Naproxen): 1250 mg

Advil (Ibuprofen): 3200 mg

Tylenol (Acetaminophen): 4000 mg

Your root canal is only as good as the restoration that is placed on top, sealing it from food and bacteria in your mouth. So, it is extremely important for you to see your general dentist within 30 days of having the procedure completed to have a permanent restoration (filling, crown) placed. If your tooth had a crown prior to treatment, you will be informed of any imperfections and the possible need of replacement.

Read the labels on your medications.  Be aware of what you are taking. Make sure that you do not exceed the maximum recommended daily doses.

*Patients who are unable to take some or all of the medications listed above due to allergy, history of ulcers, kidney or liver problems, pregnancy, or have any other contraindications/concerns should discuss alternatives with your doctor.

Retreatment Root Canal2023-06-16T15:56:42+00:00

Post operative patients pointing. You did it. Retreatment Root Canal

Congratulations on successfully completing the procedure!

Now, to ensure the best outcome, here are some helpful tips for you to follow.

Spaghetti on a fork. Chew on the other side of your mouth.We recommend chewing on the other side of your mouth until your dentist can permanently restore your tooth. Teeth that have had a root canal are fragile and protecting your tooth from biting forces minimizes the risk that you will develop a crack. Additionally, your gum tissue will heal faster and the temporary filling will stay in place longer if you avoid biting on the tooth in question.

Your tooth was restored with a temporary filling so that your dentist can easily remove the material without a lot of drilling. If you are concerned that the filling has dislodged, either contact our office for a replacement or see your dentist for the permanent restoration.

Your root canal is only as good as the restoration that is placed on top, sealing it from food and bacteria in your mouth. So, it is extremely important for you to see your general dentist within 30 days of having the procedure completed to have a permanent restoration (filling, crown) placed. If your tooth had a crown prior to treatment, you will be informed of any imperfections and the possible need of replacement.

When procedures are completed in infected teeth, swelling may occur. If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take as directed and finish the entire course. If an antibiotic was not prescribed, please contact our office.

*If significant swelling occurs and you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, please contact our office immediately and prepare to proceed to your nearest emergency room for additional treatment. While this situation rarely occurs, a compromised airway is considered a medical emergency and needs immediate attention.

Pain Management:2023-06-14T18:45:48+00:00

After a procedure, it’s not uncommon to experience tenderness in your tooth, gums, and/or jaw. This is a normal part of the healing process, and it’s important to give your body the time it needs to recover. To manage the tenderness, you might find it helpful to take over-the-counter pain medication.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s a good idea to contact our office for further guidance. We understand that it can be frustrating to experience discomfort after a procedure, but please know that this is completely normal. With a little patience and self-care, you’ll be feeling like yourself again in no time.

We recommend taking one 220 mg tablet of Aleve (naproxen) twice a day for two days. It is best to take this medication at breakfast and dinner, regardless of whether or not you are experiencing pain. This is because Aleve, like all NSAIDS, is anti-inflammatory and promotes healing. It is always easier to prevent pain from occurring than it is to stop/reduce pain after it is already present. After day two, you should evaluate your symptoms to determine if additional pain management is needed. If you find that your pain is not responding to the Aleve alone, you can also take 1000 mg of Tylenol (acetaminophen) at the same time or between doses. The combination of NSAIDS and Tylenol provides more pain relief than either medication alone.

We prefer Aleve over other NSAIDS like Advil (ibuprofen) because it lasts longer and requires you to take fewer pills.

However, you can take 600 mg of Advil (ibuprofen) three times a day for two days instead.  You just end up taking more pills, more often.

We like Tylenol too, but it doesn’t help with inflammation.  That is why we generally recommend taking 1000 mg of Tylenol with Aleve or Advil when you have episodes of more pain.

Aleve (Naproxen): 1250 mg

Advil (Ibuprofen): 3200 mg

Tylenol (Acetaminophen): 4000 mg

Read the labels on your medications.  Be aware of what you are taking. Make sure that you do not exceed the maximum recommended daily doses.

*Patients who are unable to take some or all of the medications listed above due to allergy, history of ulcers, kidney or liver problems, pregnancy, or have any other contraindications/concerns should discuss alternatives with your doctor.

Apicoectomy2023-06-16T00:07:34+00:00

Post-Operative patients excited after apicoectomy. Patients excited after apicoectomy.

Congratulations on successfully completing the procedure!

Now, to ensure the best outcome, here are some helpful tips for you to follow.

Routine/daily medications should be taken as usual unless you have been instructed by your doctor not to do so.
Antibiotics reduce the incidence of infection and need to be taken until completion.
NSAIDS (Aleve, Advil, Ibuprofen) decrease inflammation and reduce pain.
Narcotics, if indicated, should be used in conjunction with NSAIDS to relieve pain.

Sutures are keeping your gum tissue in place.
Please refrain from pulling on your lip or cheek as this may cause the sutures to tear.  Your sutures will be removed at your follow-up appointment in one week.

Minor bleeding, swelling and/or bruising is possible.
Applying ice on and off at 20 minute intervals for the first 4-6 hours following the procedure constricts blood vessels and limits blood flow. This helps to decrease pain and minimizes the appearance of bruises.

Avoid moderate to intense physical activity the day of and after surgery.
Exercise increases your blood pressure and incidences of post-operative bleeding.

Alcohol increases episodes of postoperative bleeding, interacts with medications, and alters cognition.

Avoid nicotine as long as possible prior to and after the procedure.
Nicotine in the form of a cigarette, patch or vape constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow. This significantly impairs healing and increases postoperative complications.

LEXINGTON COUNTY, SC
3020 Sunset Blvd, Suite 100
West Columbia, SC 29169

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