After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Please review this information prior to your surgery. Following these instructions will assist in your recovery. 

CONTACTING OUR OFFICE

If you have been treated by our office and have encountered an emergent situation after hours, please call our main office number Lethbridge Office Phone Number 587-425-1600 to contact Drs. Goth, Olsen or Higashi. We prefer if you contact us first rather than your own dentist or family doctor; however, if you have difficulty breathing or are experiencing severe bleeding requiring immediate attention, proceed to the emergency room or dial 911. Calls for prescription refills and routine questions should be made during our regular office hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm).

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.

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.

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

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain consider using Regular Strength Tylenol: one or two tablets may be taken every 4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: one or two tablets may be taken every 4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Gently brush your teeth as best you can. Rinse with warm salt water (one 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 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.