After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Please do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing (a putty-like material that hardens) was placed, please leave it alone. The packing helps to keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out do not get alarmed.

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 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, please 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 36 hours.

Diet

Please drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Please return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For mild to moderate pain, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken.  Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, please take the prescribed medication as directed.

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. Please 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. Please continue this procedure until healing is complete.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster, and causes less discomfort.

Activity

Please keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, please realize that throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, please discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake may be reduced, and exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, please stop exercising.