Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
Do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was applied, don’t touch it. The tooth is kept exposed in part by the packing. If it becomes dislodged or falls out, do not get alarmed but please contact our office for instructions.
Bleeding
Slight bleeding or red saliva for about 24 hours is normal. Excessive bleeding in which your mouth fills with blood quickly can usually be controlled by holding a piece of gauze placed directly over the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, please call for further instructions.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To reduce inflammation, apply ice or a plastic bag filled with ice to the nose near the surgical site. For the first 36 hours, apply as much ice as you can.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hard foods. Eat only soft foods and water on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise noted.
Pain
You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, one or two tablets of acetominophen (Tylenol) may be taken every 6 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of acetominophen. Regular strength ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken four times daily, not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. Consult our practice for individuals under 18. For severe pain, prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Always follow the instructions on the bottle.
Do not take any of the above medications if you are allergic to them, or if your doctor has instructed you not to take them. Do not drive or work around machinery. Avoid hands. Postoperative pain or discomfort should subside significantly each day. If the pain is present, it may require monitoring and the office should be called.
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 two or three times a day with warm salt water (one teaspoon salt to one cup warm water). Continue this procedure until healing is complete.
Activity
Reduce physical activity immediately after surgery. If you exercise, you may experience swelling or bleeding. If this happens, stop exercising. Be aware that your regular nutrient intake decreases. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.
