Post Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
Home Care Instructions After Oral Surgery
Immediately Following Surgery
- The gauze pad placed over the surgical area should be kept in place for 45 minutes or until bleeding has subsided.
- Do NOT vigorously rinse, drink from a straw or drink carbonated beverages. Doing so may restart bleeding. If this occurs please place a new piece over the surgical site and apply biting pressure for 30-45 minute intervals if needed.
- Initially restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods. As the wounds heal, you can advance your diet as tolerated.
- Take an anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen/motrin/advil) prior to the start of discomfort, or at the first sign of discomfort. It is much easier to stay ahead of discomfort than to play catch up.
- It is wise to avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours after surgery as this will increase swelling and soreness at the surgical site. After 48 hours you can increase activity as tolerated.
- 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.
- You may have a wire or suture securing a chain to your braces. Please avoid manipulation of the chain via any method.
Bleeding a small amount is to be expected following surgery. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the surgical site and bite down with firm pressure for 45 minutes. If bleeding continues a moistened black tea bag can be used for 45 minutes.
NSAID pain medication (ibuprofen/motrin/advil/aleve) is a mainstay of pain control after surgery. You can take 600 mg of ibuprofen/motrin every 6 hours. For additionally pain control, or if you cannot take NSAID pain medication, you can take 1,000 mg of Acetaminophen/Tylenol every 8 hours. Opiate narcotics are also occasionally prescribed for pain control, these can be used in addition to NSAIDs and Tylenol, however be cognizant of the prescribed narcotic as it may contain Tylenol in it. You should not exceed more than 3,000 mg of Tylenol in 24 hours.
If the pain does not begin to subside in 2 to 3 days, please call our office.
If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your antibiotic prescription. If you are having trouble taking the antibiotics, please call the office for instructions.
You can brush your teeth normally on the day of surgery, but be careful/gentle around the surgical site. After the first day, use a warm salt water rinse (1/4 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) to keep the surgical sites clean.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at Waterville office of Mid-Maine Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 207-873-0117. After hours, you will reach our answering service and they will page the surgeon and have him call you back.
