Post-op instructions: Apicoectomy (root-end surgery)

Your lip, cheek, and gum will stay numb for 2 to 4 hours. Don't eat on that side until feeling returns.

A small amount of blood-tinged saliva is normal today. If there is active bleeding, bite on damp gauze or a damp tea bag for 20 minutes with steady pressure. No straws, no spitting, nothing hot for 24 hours.

Some swelling and bruising on the outside of your face is normal for the first 2 to 3 days, then it starts to go down. For the first 24 hours, ice on the outside of the face, 20 minutes on and 20 off while awake. After the first day, switch to warm compresses if swelling remains. Keep your head elevated when you sleep tonight.

Soreness is expected. Take ibuprofen and acetaminophen as directed, starting before the numbness wears off. Take any prescription exactly as written and finish antibiotics.

You have a small incision in the gum with stitches. Don't pull your lip or cheek back to look at the area, that can tear the stitches. They will be removed or dissolve in about a week, and we'll see you back to check the area.

Soft, cool foods today; warm soft foods after that, chewing on the other side. Avoid crunchy, crumbly, or seeded foods until the gum has healed.

Take it easy today and tomorrow. No gym, heavy lifting, bending, or swimming for 3 to 5 days, since raising your blood pressure can restart bleeding and increase swelling. No smoking while you heal.

Don't brush directly on the stitches for the first week. Starting tomorrow, rinse gently with warm salt water (1 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) after meals and before bed. Use any prescription rinse as directed. No electric toothbrush near the surgical site until the gum has healed.

Severe pain not controlled by medication, swelling that gets worse after day three or spreads toward your eye or neck, fever, a bad taste or pus, trouble swallowing or breathing, numbness past a full day, or stitches that come out.