After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
Do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was placed, leave it alone. The packing helps to keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out, do not get alarmed but please contact our office for instructions.
Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding that rapidly fills your mouth 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 filled with ice cubes on your cheek near the area of surgery. Apply the ice as much as possible for the first 36 hours.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hard foods. Only consume soft food and liquids 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. Take prescribed medications as indicated.
Ibuprofen 800mg every 6-8 hours not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. If the pain is greater than 6 out of 10, please take narcotics as prescribed. Usually hydrocodone/Tylenol 5mg/325 is given. Please take 1 tablet every 6 hours. Consult our practice for individuals under 12 years of age. Please be aware narcotics may cause constipation. Please use over the counter stool softeners as needed.
Try to alternate the pain medication. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office or the doctor’s cell phone number.
If you wish for over the counter pain release, please apply clove oil (1-2 drops) or Red Cross with eugenol (Walgreens) into each extraction site with the syringe given every 3 hours.
Please talk to your doctor prior to taking the above over the counter medications to avoid any complications/overdose.
Antibiotics
If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the tablets or liquid as directed. Antibiotics will be given to help prevent infection. If you are prescribed Amoxicillin 500mg, please take 1 capsule every 8 hours for seven days or otherwise as your doctor prescribed. If you are prescribed Zpack, please take as directed by your team. Please take probiotics while take antibiotics to avoid yeast infection. If you are taking oral contraceptives, please be aware the antibiotics may make the contraceptive inactive for the next 4 weeks. Therefore, please take extra precautions to avoid pregnancy for a few weeks. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or any other unfavorable reaction and contact our office/doctor immediately.
Oral Hygiene
Oral cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal, beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth normally if possible day after surgery. Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times a day. Continue this procedure until healing is complete. Q-tips may be used to facilitate cleaning the surgical site.
REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.
Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you 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.
After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 386-675-0088. After hours on her cell: 412-913-8877. Please do not hesitate to call or text her.