Surgical Instructions

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 be 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 continues, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

The swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling will reach its maximum two to three days post-operatively. Swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs and medications, if prescribed. Two plastic bags filled with ice, or ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. The ice packs should be left on continuously while you are awake. After 24 hours, ice has minimal beneficial effect. Forty-eight hours following surgery, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face can beneficial in reducing the size of the swelling.

Pain

For mild to moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every three to four hours. Alternatively, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) may be taken, two to four 200 mg tablets every three to four hours as needed for pain.

For severe pain, take the prescribed medications as directed. The narcotic pain medicine can make you drowsy and will slow down your reflexes. Therefore, do not drive an automobile or work around machinery while taking these medications. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more each day. If poorly controlled pain persists, it may require additional attention and you should contact the office.

Diet

Begin with liquids after general anesthesia or IV sedation. Do not use straws, this could lead to a dry socket. You may advance your diet as tolerated. You can prevent dehydration by taking fluids regularly. Your solid/firm food intake is expected to be limited for the first few days. You can compensate for this by maintaining a liquid/non-chew diet. You will feel better, less discomfort, and heal faster if you continue to eat.

CAUTION: If you suddenly sit up or stand from a lying position, you may become dizzy. When you are lying down following surgery, make sure you sit for one minute before standing.

Keeping the mouth clean

No rinsing of any kind should be performed until the day following surgery. You can brush your teeth the night of surgery but rinse gently. The day after surgery you should begin salt water rinsing at least five to six times a day. Salt water is simply a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. Should you get light headed, stop exercising.