After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was placed, leave it alone. The pack helps to keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out please let us know. If a button and chain was placed, please avoid brushing and chewing in the area for the first 24 hours.

Bleeding

  • Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding which results in your mouth filling rapidly with blood can frequently be controlled by biting with pressure on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound every 30 minutes until the bleeding is sufficiently controlled. If bleeding continues excessively, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

  • Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice cubes on the cheek in the  area of surgery. Apply the ice 20 minutes on 20 minutes off while awake for the first 24 hours.

Diet

  • Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

  • You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For mild to moderate pain, we suggest using your preferred over the counter pain reliever (Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, Aspirin) and taken as directed on the box. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.

Oral Hygiene

  • Mouth cleanliness is essential for good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth as best you can. Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 2-3 times a day. Continue this procedure until healing is complete.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.

Activity

  • Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.