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. You will see a chain attach to your gum or braces do not pull on or brush over it, as it may dislodge your bracket. 

Bleeding

A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing or red tinged saliva is not uncommon. To control bleeding apply continuous pressure for the first 30-45 minutes after surgery with the gauze placed by the surgical staff. You will be given extra gauze which should be changed every 45 minutes for 2-3 hours after surgery or until the bleeding stops. If you have bleeding beyond 4 hours you should continue to bite on the gauze with firm pressure or bite on a wet black tea bag for an additional 30 minutes. If your bleeding continues or is excessive (your mouth fills with bright red blood in 20-30 seconds) please contact the office or doctor.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply an ice pack 15 minutes on and 10 minutes off during the first 6-8 hours after surgery. However, the benefit of reducing swelling with ice is limited to the first 24 hours after surgery. If significant swelling is still present or increasing at post-operative day 5 call the office for instructions.

Diet

You may drink cold liquids and eat cold soft food i.e., ice cream, jello, pudding, yogurt, applesauce, cottage cheese the day of surgery. Avoid hot liquids and foods for the first 24 hours after surgery resuming warm foods the day after i.e., eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, mashed potatoes, well cooked pasta. Refrain from crunchy, sticky or chewy food (nuts, chips, popcorn, candy, caramel etc.) for 10-14 days. 

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.