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.
  • Excessive bleeding that rapidly fills your mouth 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 filled with ice cubes on your cheek near the area of surgery.
  • Apply the ice as much as possible for the first 36 hours.

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 as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off.
  • For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours.
  • Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol.
  • 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.
  • Do not take the two medications at the same time.
  • 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, 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) six 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.