After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

At Home

As soon as you get home, either lie down with a pillow supporting your head or recline in a comfortable chair or sofa. Rest until the effects of anesthesia have worn off. Do not stand up quickly or try to be active. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down with your feet elevated until the feeling passes.  An responsible adult should stay with the you until the effects of anesthesia have completely worn off. 

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding is very unusual with this procedure.  Bleeding 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 our office for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after any surgery and oral surgery is no exception. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag or plastic bag/towel filled with ice cubes on the cheek in the area of the 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.

Taking medications more than prescribed may lead to unexpected medical complications and emergencies: Please follow all directions for medication usage.  You should also remember that pain medications are intended to help make you feel better but are not intended to make you pain free. 

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. You may begin warm water rinses the night of your surgery.  Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth as best you can. Rinse with warm water – salt may be added if desired (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 happens, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.