After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the wound. Sometimes a pale pink surgical packing is placed over 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 be alarmed. Many times rather than surgical packing over an open site, the incision is closed with sutures. These are resorbable and will begin to fall out soon after the surgery.

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 minutes. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To help minimize swelling, an ice bag or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice cubes placed on the cheek in the area of surgery may be used. Apply the ice 20 to 30 minutes on and 20 minutes off as much as possible 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 you are comfortable unless otherwise directed.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication before you begin to feel discomfort. Take your medication when the local anesthesia starts to wear off. 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: 2-4 tablets may be taken every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Note that while Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken along with most of the prescribed pain medications, Tylenol should not be taken with the prescription as most prescription pain medications already include some Tylenol.

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential to 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

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.

 

Important Info