After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the wound; do not brush in the area for one week.

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 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 on and off every 20 minutes as much as possible for the first 48 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. 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

For moderate pain, three to four tablets of Ibuprofen/Advil/Motrin (total of 600-800mg) may be taken every 6 hours as well as 1 or 2 tablets of Tylenol (325mg each) or Extra Strength Tylenol (500mg each) may be taken every 6 hours. Please call if this is not working.

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth after each meal by rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water). Continue this for one week.  It is okay to brush, but you should avoid the surgical site for one week then be gently at the surgical site over the 2nd week.

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 and exercise may weaken you; If you get light headed, stop exercising.