Aftercare
Apicoectomy (root tip treatment)
Here are some instructions and advice for home care to help minimize and shorten any discomfort following your surgery. Please read this guide thoroughly and keep it for reference!
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When the root tip with inflammation is removed, the gum is opened and then closed at the end of the procedure. This may result in facial swelling, which can persist for 2–3 days before subsiding on its own. Bruising may also occur—do not be alarmed; it will disappear naturally over time.
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On the first day after the procedure, you can reduce swelling by applying a cold pack or ice pack to the cheek with gentle pressure.
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The wound(s) will be closed with dissolvable stitches, which will dissolve on their own after about 10–14 days. If non-dissolvable stitches were used, you will be informed, and an appointment will be scheduled to remove them.
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Do not rinse your mouth too frequently or forcefully on the first day, as this could cause the wound to start bleeding again.
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Unless otherwise advised, you can eat and drink after the procedure. However, avoid hot food and drinks while the anesthesia is still effective, as you could burn yourself without realizing it.
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For 4–5 days, be cautious when brushing your teeth near the operated area. Brush only the teeth, avoiding the wound(s), as you could reopen them. To keep the operated area clean, use a disinfecting mouthwash or a homemade salt solution (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water).
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You may have been given a prescription for pain relief, mouthwash, or antibiotics for the pharmacy. Follow the specific instructions provided by the oral surgeon for their use. It’s best to take pain relief medication immediately upon returning home so that it takes effect before the anesthesia wears off. You can begin using the disinfecting mouthwash the day after the procedure.
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If you follow these instructions and advice carefully, most normal symptoms, such as pain and swelling, will resolve on their own within approximately one week.
When should you contact us?
Bleeding
Fortunately, post-procedure bleeding is very rare. If it does occur, press a piece of gauze firmly against the wound for approximately 30 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the gauze. Before removing it, moisten the gauze with some water to prevent it from sticking to the stitches and reopening the wound. Repeat this process if necessary. If the bleeding persists, please contact us.
Pain
Some pain after the procedure is normal. However, it should be manageable with the prescribed pain medication. You can take additional paracetamol if needed. If the pain cannot be controlled with the prescribed medication, lasts longer than 4–5 days, or worsens, you should contact us.
Abscess
An abscess is an infection that may be accompanied by pain, swelling, redness, and pus formation. This can develop after any procedure, typically appearing 4–5 days post-treatment, even if the first few days were uneventful. In this case, you should contact us immediately.
You can reach us at the following phone number: (076) 205 0608
NB:
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Outside office hours you will be transferred to the emergency number of the dental surgeon on duty.
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The emergency number is only intended for serious complaints, not for complaints that can wait until a normal working day.
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The emergency line is only for patients who have undergone treatment with us within 2 weeks.
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As a patient, you must contact us yourself and not have someone call for you.
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The costs of a telephone consultation (€69.48) will be charged for calling the emergency number.
