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

For moderate pain, one or two tablets of acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be taken every 3-4 hours. Acetaminophen can be bought over the counter in 325mg or 500mg tablets. These tablets can be taken as long as they do not exceed 3000mg per day. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken in addition to acetaminophen. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200mg tablets. Two or three tablets may be taken four times a day, not to exceed 3200mg per day. Consult our practice or the pharmacist for pediatric doses.

For severe pain, prescriptions medication may be prescribed. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery if taking prescription narcotic medications. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside and get better every day after the acute pain period (three to four days post-operatively). If pain persists past this point, it may require more attention and you should call the office.

Oral Hygiene

Oral cleanliness is essential to good healing. No rinsing of any kind should be performed until the day following surgery. You can begin rinsing after meals and before bed with a 1/4 teaspoon of salt mixed into 80z of warm water.

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.