Post 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 45-60 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 first 48 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Anything you can mash with a fork is considered a soft food.

Return to a normal diet as soon as tolerated unless otherwise directed.

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 because your normal nourishment intake is reduced, exercise may weaken you. If you get lightheaded, stop exercising.

Pain

If you received a prescription for a pain medication or antibiotic, it is best to begin taking the medication before the local anesthesia wears off. Be sure to take the entire course of antibiotics as directed. Take the pain medication as needed after the surgery.

For moderate pain Ibuprofen, (Motrin or Advil) two-four 200mg tablets (400-800mg total) may be taken every 6-8 hours.

For severe pain, take the prescription medication(s) as directed.

The prescription pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

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, avoiding the surgical site until it becomes comfortable enough to brush.

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.