Impacted Tooth Post-Op

By September 21, 2016 No Comments
See All

Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was placed leave it alone. The pack helps to keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out do not get alarmed.

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 bag or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice cubes on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously as much as possible for the first 24-48 hours. It is not uncommon for swelling to peak on the third day after surgery.

Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. 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 before you feel the local anesthetic wearing off.

For moderate pain:
Two 200 mg tablets of Ibuprofen, (Motrin or Advil ) may be taken every 4 hours as needed. For patients who are allergic to Aspirin, or cannot take Ibuprofen, one or two tablets of regular or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every four hours instead.

For severe pain:
The prescribed medication should be taken as directed. 1 or 2 regular or Extra Strength Tylenol. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol.

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) four to six times a day. Continue this until healing is complete. REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.

Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum for the first week following surgery. If you are considering exercise, then a stationary bicycle is relatively innocuous, and may be initiated after 4 or so days. Keep in mind that with any exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising.