After Exposure of an 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 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 while awake for the first24 hours.  If your impacted tooth was on the roof of the mouth, the best may to apply ice is by sucking on popsicles.

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. If the exposed tooth is on the roof of the mouth, popcicles will help soothe the area.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 2 Tylenol or 1 Extra Strength. Tylenol may be taken every 6 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken in addition or instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 6 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 plain water or warm salt water if available(1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water)3-4 times a day. 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.