After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Home Instructions After Impacted Tooth Exposure

After Impacted tooth exposure, do not disturb the wound.  Do not rinse for the next two days as this promotes bleeding.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding that rapidly fills your mouth with blood can frequently be controlled by biting with pressure on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes to an hour.  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 filled with ice cubes on your cheek near the area of surgery. Apply the ice as much as possible for the next 2-3 days.  Keep in mind that swelling will be at its worst on  the second and third day.

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.

Pain

For severe pain, the prescribed pain medication should be taken as directed.  Two Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be taken in between pain pill doses to aid in pain control.  Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery while on pain medication.  Avoid alcoholic beverages.  After 2-3 days, pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day.  After one week, pain should be manageable with over-the-counter medication.  If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.  

Oral Hygiene

Oral cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal, beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth normally if possible. Rinse with warm salt water (1 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. As long as you are taking pain medication, you should limit all physical activity including exercise.