After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

SELF-GUIDE TO FOLLOW AFTER IMPACTED TOOTH EXPOSURE

After Impacted tooth exposure, leave the wound undisturbed. If surgical packing was placed, leave it alone. The packing aids exposure of the tooth. If it dislodges or falls off, do not panic instead, kindly contact us at our company for instructions.

Bleeding

Within the first 24 hours, it is reasonable to have some bleeding or redness in the saliva. Uncontrolled bleeding that quickly fills your mouth with blood can often be manipulated by biting with pressure on a gauze pad put directly on the bleeding wound for about 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, call for help.

Swelling

It is usual for a surgery site to swell after the surgery. Reduce swelling by applying an ice bag or plastic bag. Apply the ice as much as you can for the first one and a half days.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid solid foods or hot liquids. Only take soft food and liquids on the day of surgery. Eat a regular diet as much as possible unless otherwise stated.

Pain

You should start taking pain relievers as soon as the effect of the local anesthetic starts wearing off. For moderate pain, use one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol every 3-4 hours. You may add Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) in addition to the Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter is a 200 mg tablet: 2-3 tablets may be taken four times every day, and must not exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. Consult our practice for individuals under 18.

For severe pain, a prescription pain medicine may be prescribed. The prescribed drug should be taken as directed. Do not use any drugs that allow you to develop an allergy or you’ve been told not to take it. Do not operate an automobile or work around machinery while taking this medication. Stop the use of alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort after surgery should gradually decrease over a few days. If pain persists longer than this, please call our office.

Oral Hygiene

Oral cleanliness is vital for proper healing. Wash your mouth after each meal, starting from the day after surgery. Brush your teeth the usual way if possible. Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times a day. Continue this process until complete healing is achieved.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals quickly and well.

Activity

Minimize physical activities immediately after surgery. If you exercise, bleeding or throbbing may occur. With this, exercise should be discontinued. Note that your regular food intake is reduced. Exercise may drain you. If you get dizzy, stop exercising.