After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the wound. You may see several sutures and possibly a gold chain or bracket, this is normal.

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 nine minutes. If bleeding continues 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 continuously as much as possible for the first12-18 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Soft food and liquids should be eaten only once when you first arrive home on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

You should take something for discomfort (Ibuprofen) before you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. Alternatively, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. For severe pain, the prescribed medication may be taken as directed. The prescription pain medication is rarely taken by our patients, and can commonly cause nausea.

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential to 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) six times a day. Continue this procedure until healing is complete.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.

Activity

Physical activity may be slightly limited immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding is a sign to lighten-up.You should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.