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

Bleeding after exposure of an impacted tooth often is not controlled by biting on gauze. Tightly fold the gauze and place it directly over the site of bleeding and hold pressure for 30 minutes with your thumb. Be careful not to disturb the area for 72 hours after the procedure as bleeding may restart.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag 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 36 hours.

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

Refer to your pain management plan included in your post-operative packet given at the end of your appointment. Pain management plans are tailored to help you recover quickly from your procedure. Often OTC medications alone are sufficient for post-operative pain. If a specific pain medication was prescribed, please follow directions carefully and do not save unused medication or share with others.

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.