Post-Apicoectomy Home Care

  • Medications For Discomfort: When the anesthesia wears off many patients are comfortable and do not require any medication for pain. However, you may experience discomfort for a few days, in which case you may take two extra strength Acetaminophen tablets (i.e. Tylenol) or two Ibuprofen tablets (i.e. Advil) as often as every 4 hours as needed. Your doctor may give you a prescription for a stronger medication as directed. If you take the stronger medication do not drive or operate machinery and do not drink alcoholic beverages.
  • Antibiotics: If antibiotics have been prescribed, please take them according to directions until they are used up.
  • Swelling: Swelling the next day is normal and usual and will resolve in 3 to 5 days. In order to minimize the swelling, place an ice pack over the surgical area for the rest of today until you go to bed, keeping the ice pack on for 15 minutes and taking it off for 15 minutes. Also, tonight sleep in as close to a sitting position as possible in order to keep your head elevated.
  • Bleeding: Some blood may stain the saliva after the the procedure. This is usual and will correct itself. Excess bleeding should be reported immediately.
  • Discoloration: Discoloration may occur under the eye, over the immediate area, or under the chin and is of little significance and is no cause for alarm. It will resolve in 7 to 10 days.
  • Rinsing: Do not rinse any more today. Rinsing is not a necessary part of the treatment but it may make your mouth feel clean. Beginning tomorrow, you may rinse every 2 to 4 hours with a solution of half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
  • Eating: Eat soft foods on the opposite side of the mouth for the first 24 hours. Thereafter, and until the sutures are removed, avoid the immediate area. Eat anything with two exceptions: (a) nothing steaming hot; and (b) no crunchy foods (i.e. celery or popcorn).
  • Brushing: Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush avoiding the immediate surgical area. If you wish, you may gently wipe the surgical area with a wet cotton swab.
  • Acceptable Activities: You may follow your regular daily activities, but avoid excessive exertion for the first 48 hours. Inactivity is appropriate for the next 24 hours. 
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office at Medford Office Phone Number 781-391-5100.