After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

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. Direct pressure by biting on a gauze pad will decrease the bleeding.  Extra gauze will be given to you after surgery to take home to switch out every 1-2 hours until the bleeding stops. The gauze should be moist with water when placed in your mouth to avoid sticking to the tissues.  To minimize further bleeding, do not do anything to increase your heart rate, sit upright, and avoid exercise.  If bleeding is uncontrollable and is not slowing down after 24 hours please call for further instructions.

Swelling

The swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 3-4 days post-operatively. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed for the first 24-48 hours. The ice packs should be left on continuously while you are awake. After 48 hours, ice has no beneficial effect.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hard foods. Only consume soft food and liquids on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

CAUTION: If you suddenly sit up or stand from a lying position you may become dizzy. If you are lying down following surgery, make sure you sit up for one minute before standing.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication prior to feeling the local anesthetic wearing off. Most patients will receive percocet or vicodin for severe pain control, as well as ibuprofen to keep inflammation down.  We recommend that when you get home, get a little food in your stomach and take one tablet of the narcotic medicine.  Three hours later you may take the ibuprofen.  Three hours after that you may take another narcotic tablet.  Alternating like this throughout the first day after surgery every three hours will provided the most optimal pain control and keep you comfortable. 

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The day after surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse 2-3 times daily.  You should also be rinsing with warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 2-3 times a day.  All rinsing should be performed gently and without spitting.  Once you are through rinsing you should lean forward over the sink and let the liquid fall out from your mouth without spitting. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds. Brush your teeth and be careful as you approach the extraction sites so you don’t disrupt the tissue healing.  Be gentle initially while brushing around the surgical areas.

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.