Surgical Instructions

After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

It is important that you have a follow up appointment with your orthodontist after having a surgical exposure.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 48 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 surgical site for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.

Pain

Unfortunately most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort.  You may have been given a prescription for pain medication, which you should fill immediately.  You may also take over the counter pain medications such has Advil® or Aleve®.  The following recommendations will help you to manage your pain.

  • EAT - put some food in your stomach BEFORE taking any pain medication
  • Take the first pill before the anesthetic has worn off
  • Take your pain medications with a full glass of water
  • If you do not achieve adequate relief at first, you may supplement each pain pill with an over the counter analgesic such as ibuprofen.  Some patients may even require two of the pain pills at one time.
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  • Call our office during Normal Business Hours if you feel that you will need a refill on pain medication.

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 pack rotating 20 minutes on then 20 minutes off for the first 48 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.

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. Rinse with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) at least two to three times per day. Continue this procedure until healing is complete.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing, bleeding or light headedness may occur. If this occurs, stop exercising.

Attention Please

If you have Caller ID Blocking on you telephone, please remove the block before calling our office (Press *87). During normal office hours, we will be able to respond much faster if your block has been removed. If you call after hours the Doctor will be unable to return your call if your call blocking has not been released.