After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the surgical area.

Bleeding

Bleeding be controlled by placing a gauze pad directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes and repeating until the removed gauze has more white than red on it. Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for a couple of days. Please call our office if bleeding seems excessive.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. You will be instructed at discharge whether or not cold therapy is advised to minimize swelling. If advised apply an ice pack on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice intermittenly (on 30 minutes/off 30 minutes) during the first 24 hours except bedtime (leave ice off and resume in the morning until 24 hours after surgery).

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food until the numbness is gone. 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 possible. For mild pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol/Acetaminophen may be taken every 4 hours. Do not exceed 3 grams of Tylenol/Acetaminophen per day. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2 tablets may be taken every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. Do not exceed 3.2 grams per day of Ibuprofen. 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 warm salt water (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 occurs, you should postpone exercising. Be aware that your normal food intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, postpone exercising.