After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

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, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength. Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 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. Brush your teeth as best you can. Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 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.

ORAL SURGERY AND DENTAL IMPLANT CENTERS

Athens Office: 740 Prince Avenue, Building 1-A, Athens, GA 30506 • Phone 706-549-9711 • Fax 706-549-3766
Atlanta/Buckhead Office: 3580 Piedmont Rd NE, Ste 207, Tuxedo Center, Atlanta, GA 30305 • Phone 404-233-5385 • Fax 404-237-5460
Conyers Office: 1463 Klondike Road, Suite C, Conyers, GA 30094 • Phone 770-483-9692 • Fax 770-922-8603
Covington Office: 7135 Floyd Street, Covington, GA 30014 • Phone 770-787-2444 • 770-787-9513
Decatur Office: 5243 Snapfinger Woods Drive, Suite 106, Decatur, GA 30035 • Phone 770-981-9400 • Fax 770-987-8720
Monroe Office: 307 S. Broad Street Monroe, GA 30655 P.O. Box 825 • Phone 678-345-1014 • Fax 678-345-1018
Roswell Office: Opening in January! 10930 Crabapple Rd., Suite 160 Roswell, GA 30075 • Phone 678-781-0050 • Fax 678-533-0410
Snellville Office: 2386 Clower Street, Snellville, GA 30078 • Phone 770-979-9500 • Fax 770-978-2880
Stockbridge Office: 225 Country Club Drive, Stockbridge, GA 30281 • Phone 678-565-0719 • Fax 678-565-3894
Tucker Office: 4915 LaVista Road, Tucker, GA 30084 • Phone 770-934-1907 • Fax 770-493-4900