After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
Home Instructions After Impacted Tooth Exposure
The following instructions address most of the commonly asked questions regarding home care following oral surgery. Please read this sheet carefully. If for any reason, you feel that your postoperative recovery is not normal, contact the doctor’s office immediately. It is recommended that the patient is not left unattended for twelve hours following IV sedation.
- Medications Visit: painpackprotocol.com. Depending on the procedure performed, prescriptions are usually written for a pain control medicine. Begin taking the pain medicine at the first sign that the local anesthetic is wearing off (tingling of the lip/tongue). If you take the first pill before the anesthetic has worn completely off, you should be able to manage any discomfort better. Subsequent doses should be taken as directed on the bottle. If you develop a rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulties, undue weakness, or fainting after taking a medicine, discontinue the medication and contact the doctors’ office immediately. Call 911 if you feel like you are experiencing a serious or life- threatening emergency.
- Swelling: Swelling of the cheeks is expected and usually peaks 48-72 hours after surgery. Ice may help reduce swelling for the first 48 hours.
- Bleeding: Surgical wounds may bleed periodically for 24 hours. It is not uncommon to have blood-tinged saliva for 48 hours postoperatively. Gauze packs may be in place prior to your discharge. They should be removed 45-60 minutes after leaving the office. Any further bleeding can be stopped by placing clean moist gauze over the wound and biting firmly for 30-60 minutes. A moist tea bag wrapped in gauze may be used as necessary. Resting or sleeping with the head elevated helps to decrease oral bleeding.
- Nausea/vomiting: It is not uncommon to experience nausea, and/or vomiting after surgical procedure. Most often this is due to swallowing blood, or the oral medications prescribed. Often, drinking fluids post operatively will help. To minimize nausea associated with oral medications, it is helpful to take medications with soft food. If vomiting is persistent, call the doctor’s office.
- Diet: A soft diet such as tomato soup, pureed foods mashed potatoes, pasta, and well-cooked vegetables is recommended as your level of comfort dictates.
- Oral Hygiene: It is important to maintain good oral hygiene following oral surgery. Try to brush your teeth as you normally would, letting comfort be your guide near the surgical sites. Avoid oral rinsing during the first 24 hours after your surgery. Beginning the day after surgery, perform saltwater rinses (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. glass of water) three to four times a day for the next five days. The monojet syringe provided will be helpful, starting three days after surgery.
- Activity: Your normal energy level may be depleted for up to a week. Plan on resting for at least 24 hours after your surgery. Resume your normal routine as comfort allows.
- Sutures: If sutures were placed, they will dissolve by themselves unless you are specifically told that non-dissolvable sutures were used. Sutures may loosen or come out prior to your next appointment.
Be assured that our interest in your wellbeing does not end with surgery. If you have any questions or problems, please call us at the office number. Help will always be available.