After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Home Instructions After Impacted Tooth Exposure

After impacted tooth exposure, avoid disturbing the wound. If surgical packing was placed, do not remove it as it helps keep the tooth exposed. If the packing becomes dislodged or falls out, do not be alarmed, but please contact our office for further instructions.

Bleeding

Avoid Vigorous Rinsing: Do not rinse your mouth vigorously or touch the surgical area. This may initiate bleeding by causing the blood clot that has formed to become dislodged. Do NOT SWISH LIQUIDS OR RINSE WITH ANY PRESSURE AT ALL FOR 1 WEEK AFTER SURGERY. Instead, roll warm salt water back & forth with your mouth open and your head tilted back, then lean over the sink to allow the water to fall out of your mouth, then dry your mouth with a towel…do not spit.

Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in your saliva is to be expected following surgery. If bleeding becomes excessive, rinse or gently wipe away any old clots from your mouth, then place a MOISTENED gauze pad over the area and bite down firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened caffeinated black tea bag for 30 minutes. The caffeine &  tannic acid in the tea helps form a clot by constricting blood vessels. To reduce further bleeding, remain calm, sit upright, and avoid any physical activity. If bleeding persists, or continues profusely, please call our office for further instructions. 

Swelling

Swelling is a normal response to surgery and is usually proportional to the extent of the procedure. You can expect swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face. This swelling will typically become noticeable the day after surgery and will peak 2-3 days post-operation. To minimize swelling, apply ice packs or frozen unopened peas or corn immediately after surgery. Ice packs should be placed on the sides of your face where the surgery was performed and should be alternated on for 20 minutes then off for 10 minutes continually while awake for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, ice no longer provides any benefit. If swelling or jaw stiffness persists for several days, there is no cause for concern—this is a typical part of the healing process. After 24 hours, applying moist heat to the sides of your face can help reduce swelling. Take Pain Medications as prescribed. If you choose to take narcotic pain medication do not operate machinery or drive a vehicle for 8 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid hot liquids or foods. Soft foods and liquids should be consumed on the day of surgery. You can return to a normal diet as soon as you are comfortable, unless otherwise directed. 

Pain

For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol can be taken every 4-6 hours. Alternatively, Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be used instead of Tylenol. Over-the-counter Ibuprofen typically comes in 200 mg tablets; 2-3 tablets can be taken up to four times daily, with a maximum daily dose of 3200 mg for adults. Please consult our practice for guidance on usage for individuals under 18.

If the pain is significant, you can alternate between Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Start by taking one Extra Strength Tylenol, then wait 3 hours before taking 600 mg of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). After another 3 hours, take another Tylenol, then wait another 3 hours before taking 600 mg of Ibuprofen again. Repeat this cycle until the pain subsides or becomes tolerable without medication.

For severe pain, take the prescribed narcotic medication as directed. Do not take any of the above medications if you are allergic to them or have been instructed by your doctor not to take them. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or consuming alcohol while on medication. Pain or discomfort following surgery should gradually improve each day. If the pain persists, it may require further attention, and you should contact our office.

Oral Hygiene

Oral cleanliness is crucial for proper healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal, starting the day after surgery. Brush your teeth as usual, if possible. Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times a day, especially after meals. Continue this routine until healing is complete.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Exercise may lead to throbbing or bleeding, in which case you should stop exercising. Also, remember that you are likely not consuming your usual nourishment, which may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.