After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth:

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 to an hour. If bleeding continues, persistent pressure in the area will stop almost all bleeding. If bleeding still continues, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously as much as possible for the first 48 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot or carbonated 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 4-6 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 with a salt water rinse 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

Do not plan any activities for the next 24 hours. Use common sense — do not drive, operate heavy equipment or make any important decision for 24 hours following your appointment. Do not go up or down stairs or walk unassisted the first few hours following surgery. You can resume your normal activities as you can tolerate it the day following surgery.