After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

After your procedure, do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing or metal appliance was placed leave it alone. The packing helps to keep the tooth exposed. A chain will be used to assist the orthodontist in proper tooth eruption. If it gets dislodged or falls out do not get alarmed, and please call our office for further instruction.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding which results in your mouth filling rapidly 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 on the cheek in the area of surgery. Keep the ice pack on for 30 minutes, then remove it for 30 minutes. Continue to repeat this cycle to help control pain and swelling. Apply the ice for the first 36 hours after your procedure.


		Medications
		If the doctor has written any prescription for you, have your prescriptions filled and take your medications as directed on each prescription bottle. For the most effective pain relief, take your first dose of pain medicine after you get home, before the numbness wears off. For moderate discomfort, adults may use Tylenol or Extra-Strength Tylenol, one or two tablets every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg can be taken 2-4 tablets every 6 hours. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, you may require attention and should call the office. Antibiotics may be given to help prevent infection. Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. Call the office if you have any questions.

Bruising

Swelling after any surgical procedure is normal and usually occurs 24 to 48 hours after surgery, especially after uncovering a difficult tooth or impacted tooth. In some cases, discoloration of the skin follows swelling. The development of black, blue green - or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence, which may occur 2-3 days after the procedure. Moist heat applied to the area may speed up the removal of the discoloration.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Oral Hygiene

Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after surgery the day of your surgery. The next day you may rinse gently and brush gently. Warm salt water is appropriate to rinse with. Use one-half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and rinse three or four times each day for five days. Minor bleeding may occur when you brush or rinse during the first week.

Do not be alarmed by this. Alcohol based mouth rinses can be a little hard on the healing tissue and blood clot the first few days. Rather than use them, you may find a sugarless breath mint helps your mouth feel fresher.

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 discontinue exercising.