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. Bite down firmly on the gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical area, making sure the gauze remain in place.  Do not change for the first hour unless the bleeding is not controlled.  If active bleeding persists, place enough new gauze to obtain pressure over the surgical site for another 60 minutes.  The gauze may then be changed every 45 to 60 minutes until bleeding has stopped or slowed. 

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling use a cold pack, ice bag or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel and applied firmly to the cheek adjacent to the surgical area.  This should be applied twenty minutes on and forty minutes off during the first 48 hours after surgery.  After using a cold pack for the first 48 hours, you should apply warm compresses to the skin over the area of swelling (hot water bottles, heating pad or hot moist towels) for 20 minutes on and 40 minutes off to help soothe tender areas.  This will also help decrease swelling and stiffness.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hard foods while the numbness is present. 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 before the local anesthetic has worn off. For moderate pain, over the counter pain medicine such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol should be taken every 4-6 hours.

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 (1/4 teaspoon of salt in an 8 ounce glass of  warm water) at least two to three 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.