After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Home Instructions After Impacted Tooth Exposure

After Impacted tooth exposure, do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was placed, leave it alone. The packing helps to keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out, do not get alarmed but please contact our office for instructions.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Bleeding and oozing from the surgical site can often be controlled by biting and maintaining firm pressure on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30-45 minutes. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) is abnormal. If bleeding continues profusely, 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, on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 36 hours. Additionally, keeping your head elevated (such as sleeping in a recliner or with multiple pillows) can help minimize swelling.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hard foods. Only consume soft food and liquids on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication prior to when the local anesthetic wears off. To help stay ahead of the pain, take a dose (400-600 mg) of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.). You should repeat the ibuprofen every 6 hours with food, not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. Do not take ibuprofen if you have chronic kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or have been instructed not to take ibuprofen by your medical doctor(s). If your prescription pain medication does not have Tylenol in it, you may also take two tablets of extra-strength Tylenol every 8 hours. Speak to Drs. Yazbak or Mills if you have liver disease, as you may require a reduction in Tylenol dose. Consult our practice for individuals under 18.

For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. 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 or increases dramatically several days after surgery, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Oral Hygiene

Oral cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal, beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth normally if possible. Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 3-4 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 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.