Surgical Post-Operative Instructions
Application of ice is important for the next 24 hours. An ice pack should be applied to the affected area for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. It is important to take the ice off for 20 minutes in order to prevent frostbite to your face.
Most patients will exhibit marked swelling and bruising in the area of the surgery. This usually peaks on the third day and will improve each day after. This is a normal consequence of the surgical procedure.
Take all prescriptions as directed by Dr. Kowalski. Dr. Kowalski has also prescribed a mouth rinse to help keep the surgical area clean. The rinse should be used 3-4 times a day.
DO NOT LIFT YOUR LIP to look at the sutures that have been placed. Doing so may tear the tissue loose, and you will have to make an untimely emergency visit to stop the bleeding that will occur. In 3-4 days, when your sutures are removed, Dr. Kowalski can show you the healing that has occurred in the surgical area if you wish. It is not unusual for a few of the sutures to come loose or fall out.
No heavy lifting, stooping, or vigorous activity is permitted for the next 72 hours; this can promote heavy bleeding in the surgical area. You should be able to perform your normal daily activities, but don’t try to overdo it.
Stick to a soft diet (eggs, mashed potatoes, shakes, etc.). No using straws for the nest 72 hours, as creating suction or chewing tougher foods aggressively can promote bleeding in the surgical area. After 72 hours, you can slowly increase the consistency of your diet. It is important to get plenty of fluids, nutrition, and rest to help the healing process.
Brush your teeth in the other areas of your mouth. Do not brush in the surgical area for at least 72 hours. After 72 hours, you may brush lightly in the surgical area.
You may want to place an old towel on your pillow for the next few nights. It is normal for the surgical site to ooze and mix with your saliva. If you have noticeable bleeding, the application of wet gauze or a moistened tea bag will help stop the oozing.
After business hours, you may reach Dr. Kowalski on his cell phone (618-531-5132). You may leave a message or send a text to his phone, or email wjkowlaski@yahoo.com.
Post-Op Instructions – Your Treatment Has Been Completed
- There is a permanent restoration in the tooth that Dr. Kowalski treated. No more treatment is needed for this tooth at this time. Please follow up with your general dentist for regular evaluations. Dr. Kowalski will also like to see you back for a follow-up visit. We will send you a reminder card when it is time for that visit. It will be quick, only 10-15 minutes, and we will take an X-ray of the treated tooth. There is no charge for this visit or the X-ray.
- It is normal after a root canal for the tooth and gum tissue to be tender for several days after your treatment. Should this continue for more than 4 days, please contact our office.
- It is recommended that you take one of the following medications to manage any discomfort you might have. Do not take more than one of the medications listed simultaneously, unless directed to do so by Dr. Kowalski.
- 800 mg Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), which is 4 over-the-counter tablets every 6 hours
- 220 mg Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) every 10-12 hours
- 1000 mg Tylenol every 6 hours
- If you have a fever, swelling, or discomfort that is not relieved by the above-mentioned medications or any prescription that Dr. Kowalski may have given you, contact the office. If it is after normal business hours and is a true EMERGENCY, you may reach Dr. Kowalski at 618-531-5132. Leave a message or send a text message, and Dr. Kowalski will get back to you as soon as possible. If you prefer, you may also email Dr. Kowalski at wjkowalski@yahoo.com.
Post-Op Instructions – Your Treatment Has NOT Been Completed
- There is a temporary restoration in the tooth that Dr. Kowalksi is treating. It is normal for a small layer of this material to wear away. It is ESSENTIAL that you return for another visit, so Dr. Kowalski can complete your root canal treatment. You will have to be numb for this procedure. It will take about an hour to complete.
- It is normal after a root canal for the tooth and gum tissue to be tender for several days after your treatment. Should this continue for more than 4 days, please contact our office.
- It is recommended that you take one of the following medications to manage any discomfort you might have. Do not take more than one of the medications listed simultaneously, unless directed to do so by Dr. Kowalski.
- 800 mg Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), which is 4 over-the-counter tablets every 6 hours
- 220 mg Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) every 10-12 hours
- 1000 mg Tylenol every 6 hours
- If you have a fever, swelling, or discomfort that is not relieved by the above-mentioned medications or any prescriptions that Dr. Kowlaski may have given you, contact the office. If it is after office hours and is a true EMERGENCY, you may reach Dr. Kowalski at 618-531-5132. You may leave a message or send a text, and Dr. Kowalski will get back to you as soon as possible. Or if you prefer, you may also email Dr. Kowalski at wjkowalski@yahoo.com.