After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the wound. A bracket and chain may have been attached to the tooth to aid the orthodontist in bringing the tooth into position. A brass wire or composite material may have been secured between the adjacent tooth and the impacted tooth. It is important that it remains intact.

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 60 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 hours. Once swelling occurs apply moist heat in place of ice.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. 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 prior to the local anesthetic wearing off. Take the medication prescribed by the doctor. For mild to moderate pain, over the counter pain medications may be sufficient. You may take over the counter Tylenol(Acetaminophen) or Advil/Morin (Ibuprofen) provided there are no contraindication to you taking these. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.

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 on the day of surgery. Rinse with hot salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) several 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 are considering 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.