After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
Do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was placed, try to leave it alone. The pack helps to keep the tooth exposed. If it becomes dislodged or falls out, do not be alarmed.
Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding, which results in your mouth filling with blood, can frequently be controlled by biting with pressure on a folded 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 intermittently, as much as possible, for the first 36 hours.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or foods. Soft foods and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as you are comfortable, 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 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken for adults. Tylenol may be taken every four hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol if you have no contraindications. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: two to three tablets may be taken every four to six hours as needed for pain for adults. For more severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene 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 (one-half teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) four to 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 in the week 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 become light headed, stop exercising.