After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

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

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding that rapidly fills your mouth 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 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.

Discomfort

At times, oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. For moderate pain, take 400 mg of Ibuprofen with 500 mg of Acetaminophen (Extra Strength Tylenol) every 4 hours at the same time. It is most effective if taken around the clock for the first 72 hours following surgery.

If pain is not manageable with Ibuprofen and Extra Strength Tylenol, you may replace the Extra Strength Tylenol with one (1) Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, if prescribed. **DO NOT TAKE EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL AND HYDROCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN AT THE SAME TIME.**

Always verify the dosage on your bottle at home before taking any medications. Dosages vary per bottle.

Ibuprofen Maximum Dose: 2400 mg per day

Acetaminophen Maximum Dose: 3000 mg per day

Do not take the above medications if you are allergic to them or have been instructed not to by your physician. Do not take Ibuprofen products if you take blood thinners such as Coumadin or Plavix. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. 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

Oral cleanliness is essential to proper healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal, beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth normally if possible. If unable to brush, rinse with warm water six times a day.

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.

Download/Print: Exposure of an Impacted Tooth Post-Op Instructions

Download/Print: Instrucciones Postoperatorias