An apicoectomy removes the infected tip of your tooth root. This treatment repairs and saves an infected or severely damaged tooth that has already been treated through root canal therapy. Your dentist removes the root tip, also cleaning and disinfecting the tissues around it before filling and sealing the space. However, how do you ease your pain after apicoectomy surgery?
What to Expect During Your Apicoectomy
When you need a root tip removal, your dentist schedules this procedure and prepares you for the surgery. This preparation starts with taking X-rays to view the damage and see where the tooth is decaying.
During the actual procedure, your dentist uses local anesthesia, possibly with nitrous sedation. Of course, a root tip surgery is only slightly more painful than filling your tooth. Therefore, you should expect to feel only mild to moderate pain.
The next step of apicoectomy surgery involves your dentist making an opening in your gums, disinfecting the area, and removing the diseased root tip. This leaves an open space at the tooth root. Then, the dentist then sterilizes the opening and seals it. Lastly, he stitches your gums closed.
Ease Pain after Apicoectomy Surgery
One way to ease pain after apicoectomy surgery is to apply ice to the affected area. Use ice for 20 minutes, then remove the ice to give your mouth a break for another 20 minutes. Continue alternating this way until you feel pain relief. You can apply ice for 10 to 12 hours after your procedure, as needed.
While applying ice or using other means to ease your pain, you should rest. Most people feel slightly tired after the procedure or find rest makes them more comfortable.
If you experience swelling and bruising on the second day after your root tip removal, use over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease the pain. These medications like Advil and Motrin reduce the swelling, help heal bruising, and relieve pain.
If your dentist believes you may experience pain requiring stronger medication, he provides a prescription for these. Of course, ensure you follow the instructions when using pain medications and avoid activities that put you or others at risk.
For the first day or so, avoid brushing your root surgery site. Also, avoid rinsing too vigorously. You should not eat any hard or crunchy foods or smoke.
To avoid disrupting the blood clot formation and stitches, do not tug at your cheek or lip to see the surgical area. Doing so sometimes disrupts healing and can loosen the stitches.
Tupelo, Mississippi Tooth Decay Treatments and Surgery
Whether you need tooth decay treatment or a surgical procedure like an apicoectomy, this treatment starts with quality routine dental care. You need a North Mississippi dentist providing a range of services, including:
- General dentistry
- Nitrous and oral sedation
- Some cosmetic dentistry
- Invisalign and veneers
- Implant restoration
- Dental bridges
