After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the wound. If a 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.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or red discoloration of the saliva is normal for around 24 hours. Excessive bleeding which results in your mouth filling rapidly with blood can frequently be controlled by biting with pressure on gauze placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. A tea bag can be substituted for gauze. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag against the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously as much as possible for the first 36 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids and hard or chewy food. On the day of surgery eat soft food and drink plenty of liquids. Unless otherwise directed, return to a normal diet as tolerable, chewing away from the surgical areas.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you have the prescription filled. For moderate pain, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 3-4 tablets may be taken every 6-8 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.

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 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 5-6 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 pain 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.