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.
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.
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 48 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
Normally our Doctors will prescribe Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) for post-operative pain. Ibuprofen is occasionally contraindicated in which case Tylenol is a good substitute. There are studies that now even demonstrate that a combination of Ibuprofen and Tylenol taken together are more effective as a pain killer than narcotics. Our doctors and staff will review effective pain management strategies with you in our office. However, our Doctors will prescribe narcotics only when necessary as we are making an effort to reduce the usage of narcotics. Please take all prescribed medications as directed.
For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. 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.
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) after each meal with the provided syringe. 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.
Help us minimize narcotics abuse by properly disposing of any unused narcotics!
The closest drop box to the office is located at:
Warren Police Department
44 Mountain Blvd, Warren NJ 07059
To see the comprehensive list of drop boxes all over NJ, please visit:
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/meddrop/Pages/Locations.aspx
We do everything within our power to help minimize narcotics abuse. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in helping us do so! If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact your local police department or drop box location.