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 do not get alarmed.

  •  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 for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, please call for further instructions.
  • Swelling – Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply cold packs, ice bags, gel packs or plastic bags or towels filled with ice cubes on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously as much as possible for the first 36 hours. Make sure there is always something (like a paper towel) between you skin and the ice pack.

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

For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. We give you the prescription strength, there tends to be less filler and less chance for an upset stomach. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential to healing. Beginning the day after surgery, clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal. Brush your teeth as best as you can and rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times a day. Continue this procedure until healing is complete.

Remember: “A clean wound heals better and faster”

Activity

Immediately following surgery, keep physical activities to a minimum. If you are considering exercise, understand that throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this happens, you should discontinue exercising. Also be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced and that exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.