After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the wound. If a gold chain was placed be careful to not bite or chew directly over the exposed tooth.

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. Apply ice packs 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 2-3 days following the surgery to keep swelling to a minimum.

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/Infection

Use pain medication as directed by staff. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue taking them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Call our office if any medications do not seem to be working or you have an allergic reaction.

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 (dissolve about a quarter of a teaspoon of salt in an 8 oz. glass of water) several times a day. Continue this 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.