After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Home Instructions After Impacted Tooth Exposure

After Impacted tooth exposure, 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: Milford Office Phone Number Milford Office Phone Number Milford Office Phone Number 203-874-1664.

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: Milford Office Phone Number Milford Office Phone Number Milford Office Phone Number 203-874-1664.

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.

Pain Management

The American Dental Association’s (ADA) Science & Research institute has evidence based recommendations for pain management regarding dental pain. 

The first recommendation is to take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Ibuprofen, Motrin, and Advil, which is first-line therapy for managing pain after an extraction. Extraction pain is often inflammation related, and NSAIDs target the source of the pain to alleviate it

The second recommendation is to take the first line of therapy NSAID in combination with acetaminophen (Tylenol).  The combination of NSAID and acetaminophen has been proven to be more effective in reducing postoperative pain than opioid medications.

If NSAIDS are not advised due to underlying medical conditions, the full therapeutic dose of acetaminophen is suggested.

Our typical recommendation for postoperative pain is:  400 mg Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) PLUS 325 mg Tylenol (1 tablet or capsule – regular strength) EVERY FOUR HOURS

***Do not exceed daily dosage recommendations listed on the bottle***

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. 

Do not take any of the above medications if you are allergic to them or have been instructed by your doctor not to take. 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.  Opioid prescriptions – if deemed necessary – will be prescribed at the lowest effective dose, with fewest tablets and for the shortest duration needed.

Oral Hygiene

Oral cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal, beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth normally if possible. Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 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 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.