NavigationAfter Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
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For the control of pain, the prescription drug should be taken as directed. Please do not drive, work, or attend school while taking prescription pain medications.
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An ice pack should be applied to the face directly for the first 24 hours following surgery. Heat should be used after the first day.
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Normally, bleeding will be controlled by pressure being applied to the area with the use of gauze. Change gauze every 45min/1hr following removal of teeth. If bleeding increases and not decrease moisten a tea bag and wrap in a single gauze and have patient apply moderate pressure.
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Bed rest for atleast 24 hours after surgery will help keep the pain, sweeling, and bleeding to a minimun.
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Rest in a chair or elevated in the bed.
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Wake patient every 2-3 hours to have them drink at least 4 oz of fluids.
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No mouth wash for 2 weeks.
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Warm salt water rinses start the day after surgery.
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No smoking, straws, or spitting for at least 3 days after surgery.
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Diet is regulated by chewing. Hot liquids should be avoided for the first 12 hours following surgery.
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, 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
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.
Pain
You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength. Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. 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, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.
Oral Hygiene
Mouth cleanliness is essential to 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.
