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. Contact our office during normal business hours for instructions.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24-48 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 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. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

Children: For mild to moderate pain, over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are a good choice. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. For more severe pain, you may take the prescribed pain medication.

Adults: For mild to moderate pain, one or two tablets of acetaminophen (Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol) may be taken every 4 to 6 hours. Two to three (200 mg) tablets of Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) may be taken every 6 to 8 hours.

For severe pain, take the tablets prescribed as directed. The prescribed pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Surgical pain and discomfort will generally start to subside 3 to 5 days from your surgery.

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. You may substitute salt water with diluted mouthwash. Continue this procedure until healing is complete.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.