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. Remove the packing and discard it.

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 our office for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack on your cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice “on” and “off” as much as possible as directed by Dr. Patel and Dr. Fraser for the first 36 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 by Drs. Patel and Fraser.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. Tylenol (325 mg) 2 tablets may be taken every 4 hours as needed for pain. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: three tablets may be taken every 6 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication from Drs. Patel and Fraser should be taken as directed.

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential for 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. 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 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.