After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
Post-Impacted Tooth Instructions
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 get alarmed.
If a small gold chain is placed, this chain will be secured to the wire of your braces with a suture. Do NOT cut the chain or the suture. This will be used by your orthodontist to facilitate eruption of the exposed tooth. An appointment should be scheduled with your orthodontist within a week of the procedure to evaluate the area, and secure the chain for eruption of the impacted tooth.
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 continuously as much as possible for the first 36 hours. Sleep in an elevated position for the first 2 nights.
Diet:
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. You may slowly advance your diet as you feel comfortable. You can expect to be back to your normal diet within 2-4 days.
Pain:
You should begin taking pain medication before the local anesthetic wears off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 4-6 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen 800mg may be taken every 6-8 hours as needed for pain.
For severe pain, take prescription pain medication as directed. The prescribed pain medicine could make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages and other illegal drugs. 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.
Do not take any of the medication mentioned above if you are allergic or if your doctor has advised otherwise.
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, avoiding the surgical area and chain. Rinse with warm salt water or with the provided mouthwash 2-3 times per 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.
Excuses for school and work are written on a case-by-case request. Each patient heals at a different rate after surgery. Discuss any concerns with the doctor at the time of surgery and we will gladly issue a school or work excuse based on your individual case.