After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the wound. Do not remove or tamper with the bracket or gold chain which has been attached to your impacted tooth.

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 45 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 24 hours, alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed. Avoid hot foods until the local anesthetic (numbing medicine) has worn off, so that numb tissues will not receive a heat injury.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication before you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, take the prescribed ibuprofen as prescribed, four times daily. For additional pain, use the narcotic pain medication as prescribed. Avoid taking narcotic pain medications on an empty stomach, as this may contribute to nausea and/or vomiting. Always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor.

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth carefully while avoiding direct contact with the surgical site. Rinse with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) four to six times a day. Continue this procedure until healing is complete.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals more quickly and with less discomfort.

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 food intake is reduced. Your normal exercise level may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. If you get light headed, stop exercising, rest, and drink plenty of fluids.