Apicoectomy Surgery Instructions

Before Your Apicoectomy (Pre-Op)

1. Take any prescribed antibiotics or medications as directed before your appointment.
2. If you will be receiving sedation, do not eat or drink for 6–8 hours before your procedure. If no sedation is planned, eat a light meal one to two hours before.
3. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the office.
4. Inform our office of all medications you are taking, especially blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, etc.). Do not stop any medication without first consulting your physician.
5. Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
6. Get a good night's rest the evening before your procedure.
7. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment.
8. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at (404)-264-1944 before your visit.

After Your Apicoectomy (Post-Op)

1. Continue to take prescriptions and over-the-counter medications as directed.
2. If prescribed an antibiotic, please continue to take as directed. We recommend probiotics be taken daily with antibiotic use.
3. Have a light schedule for the next 48 hours. No exercise or strenuous activities.
4. Slight bleeding, pain, and swelling are normal during the first couple of days and will gradually disappear.
5. Please brush gently when getting close to the area.
6. We will provide ice packs. Use them on and off every 20 minutes until bedtime.
7. Do not lift or pull on your lips as this may cause tearing out of the sutures.
8. Decrease or minimize smoking as this can prolong healing. If you must smoke, cover the area with wet gauze.
9. Avoid oral rinses for 48 hours as it may cause bleeding. Do not use alcohol-containing mouth rinses for a few days.
10. Avoid extremely hot temperature food or drink and do not eat spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods or drinks for the first 48 hours.
11. Avoid straws for 48 hours after surgery and no spitting, as this can dislodge the clot.
12. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and black tea for 48 hours.
13. Eat foods that will be nourishing but will not require vigorous chewing the first few days, such as eggs, soups, milk shakes, etc.
14. Use an extra pillow and keep your head elevated for the first 24 hours after surgery. Use an old pillowcase or cover your pillow with a towel to avoid stains.
15. No nose blowing for 48 hours after surgery. Use Afrin if needed. If you need to sneeze, you must sneeze with your mouth open.

Please call our office or Dr. Mark Barr with any questions or concerns.
Office: (404)-264-1944  |  Dr. Mark Barr: (404) 295-0289

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