After apicoectomy

The first 24 hours

Some swelling and bruising near the surgical site is normal and usually peaks around the second day. Keep your head elevated, including when you sleep, and apply a cold pack to the outside of your face in cycles of 20 minutes on and 20 off for the first day. Avoid rinsing, spitting forcefully, or drinking through a straw so the site can form a stable clot.

Discomfort

Take medication on the schedule your doctor gave you rather than waiting for pain to build. If you can’t take anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, tell us and we’ll recommend an alternative.

Eating

Soft, cool foods for the first day or two. Chew on the opposite side and avoid anything crunchy, spicy, or very hot near the site until the sutures are out.

Oral hygiene

Brush your other teeth normally. Around the surgical site, use the rinse we gave you, starting the day after surgery and as directed.

Activity

Take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for the first few days, since raised blood pressure can restart bleeding.

Sutures and follow-up

Sutures are typically removed at a short follow-up visit that we’ll schedule before you leave. We’ll also check healing on imaging about a year after surgery; bone takes time to fill in and can only be confirmed that way.

When to call us

Call (206) 633-3636 for bleeding that won’t stop with gentle pressure, swelling that increases after the third day, a fever, numbness that persists beyond the anesthetic wearing off, or a suture that comes loose. For a true emergency outside office hours, such as swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to an emergency room.