After 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 persist despite repeated application of gauze you should moisten a tea bag adn bite on the tea bag for 30 minutes.  Tannic acid in the tea may help the blood clot to form and stabilize. If bleeding continues please call our office 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 36 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food on the day of surgery. 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 as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off.

For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every four to six hours (maximum daily dose of Tylenol should not exceed 3000mg). Ibuprofen, (Motrin or Advil) 200mg to 400mg may be taken every 4-6 hours.  Specific dosing of over-the-counter pain medication should be taken as per directions on the medication container. Dr. Bundy may prescribe a higher dose of Ibuprofen.  If so, this prescription Ibuprofen may be taken as directed for pain relief.

For more severe pain Dr. Bundy may prescribe other medications such as narcotics(i.e. Norco, Lortab, Vicodin, Percocet, Tylenol with Codeine, Ultram). Take these medications as prescribed and directed. Narcotic pain medicine may make you sleepy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around dangerous machinery if you have been prescribed a narcotic medication. Avoid alcoholic beverages. You should also refrain from making any pertinent decisions regarding significant business or personal matters while taking these types of medications. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. You may begin to rinse your mouth the evening of surgery. Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 4-6 times a day. You should rinse after each meal. Continue this procedure until healing is complete. You should also brush your teeth as per normal.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum the day of surgery. If you do exercise… throbbing or increased bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should stop exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.

Finally

The tooth that was exposed may also have had an orthodontic bracket attached to it.  In some cases this bracket may be exposed (visible in the mouth). This is normal. The bracket it usually gold or silver in color.

There may also be a gold chain or elastic chain attached to the bracket that will appear near the margin of your wound.  The chain is then secured to a neighboring tooth so it does not irritate your lip or cheek.

Be mindful when brushing your teeth to be gentle when brushing on or near the bracket or chain. DO NOT PULL on the chain or you may dislodge the bracket 🙂