After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Home Instructions After Impacted Tooth Exposure

After Impacted tooth exposure, 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. 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. If bleeding continues, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply an ice pack 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 first 24 hours. Making sure you only leave the ice pack on your cheek for 30 minute intervals of 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off, giving you skin breaks from the cold temperature.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hard/crunchy/sticky foods such as nuts, chips and candy until otherwise directed. Only consume soft food and liquids on the day of surgery. 

Pain

Take 600mg of ibuprofen as soon as you can after your surgery and continue to take 600mg every 6 hours for three days unless you are allergic to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.  NSAIDs like ibuprofen should be avoided during pregnancy.  NSAIDs should also be avoided if your are a recipient of a transplanted organ and you use anti-rejection drugs.  If ibuprofen does not control your pain then use your prescription pain medication as directed on the bottle.  The prescription medication can cause drowsiness so avoid driving an automobile and any activity that requires you to be alert while you take it.  If you develop a rash or hives, stop all medication and contact our office. If your pain appears to be increasing on the third or fourth day after surgery, it may be a sign that a “dry socket” is developing.  Symptoms of throbbing pain at the surgical site or at the ear may require additional treatment, so call the office for further instructions.

For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. 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. 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.